while others help us to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used For more information visit our Cookie Policy(Opens in a new window)External Link Icon The 80th anniversary of VE day is being marked through a host of commemorative events in Newcastle-under-Lyme next week Giles' Church in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre at 8pm Following the service the congregation will walk through to Queens Gardens where a beacon will be lit People are being invited to a range of events at the Brampton Museum on VE Day itself and throughout the next week recall treasured memories and spark lively discussion Reminisce: Recall and Relive will be led by Kath Reynolds and include multi-sensory experiences to evoke memories and give participants a chance to bond while recalling common experiences takes place on Saturday 10 May from 2pm to 3.15pm with Ros Unwin and Jane Pugh They will tell the story of World War Two pilots who’d been trapped in burning planes and soldiers with severe facial injuries who were sent to Albert Ward at the North Staffs Infirmary to receive the most advanced treatments of the day Meanwhile a free exhibition Victory from Home: How we Helped Win the War Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council leader Simon Tagg said: “While every VE Day anniversary is special this year is particularly significant as it marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe we will join the rest of the nation in remembering the sacrifices made and bravery of our services personnel and residents at that time We will mark the occasion through the service at St and with a host of events and activities at the Brampton Museum Through these events people will be able to discover so much about their local area and those who contributed to the war effort and lived through what were incredibly challenging times And we know residents across the borough will be marking the occasion in their own way too.” © 2025 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response 5 MAY 2025BookmarkStaffordshire Police have seized this e-scooterOff-road bikes and electric scooters have been seized in a police crackdown Staffordshire Police deployed a plane in the skies over Stoke-on-Trent as part of yesterday's nuisance bikers crackdown It follows complaints about off-road bikers racing around communities and churning up the course at Burslem Golf Club Police also discovered that a number of the riders were high on cannabis Stoke-on-Trent North MP David Williams has wecomed the crackdown He said: "I've always made tackling illegal I've campaigned for new laws so that police will have more powers than ever before to seize and crush nuisance bikes Bikes have been seized and action will continue." The latest instalment of Operation Lightning took place on Sunday A police spokesman said: "We have seized a number of bikes and scooters with the help of the police plane. These include electric scooters that travel at 45mph, motorcycles riding on golf courses, and riders with more cannabis than they can use themselves using children's e-scooters to zip around to meet people." For the very latest on this police operation follow our live blog below On Saturday 12th April Hednesford Town play their latest Northern Premier League West game when they travel to the north of the county to take on Kidsgrove Athletic Both teams are in need of the points but for different reasons Hednesford in their pursuit of league leaders Widnes and Kidsgrove in their attempt to put some space between themselves and the bottom four Hednesford’s win at Wythenshawe Town last Saturday was their 12th on the road in the league this season to go with three draws and just four defeats their points total of 39 being the best of any team in the division on their travels The majority of Kidsgrove’s points  have come at home from eight wins three draws and eight defeats which gives them 27 points compared to just 18 away from home That total of 45 points sees them in 18th place two above the drop zone after last week’s 1-1 draw at Trafford while Hednesford moved back up to second their 72 points putting them five behind Widnes and one ahead of Vauxhall Motors and Congleton Town Saturday’s game will be the third between the teams this season Hednesford put Kidsgrove out of the Staffordshire Senior Cup in January winning 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 A crowd of 1,071 watched Rob Stevenson give The Pitmen a fourth minute lead but two goals from Kingsley Adu-Gyamfi gave the visitors all three points despite Matt Rhead’s red card Adu-Gyamfi is the Grove’s leading scorer this season with 12 league goals and five in the cup competitions Zidan Sutherland and Kory Roberts all got some minutes in the Development team’s 6-2 win over Solihull Youth Academy on Tuesday night while Simeon Maye will be available after suspension Dom McHale is fit after missing last week’s game but Ahkeem Rose faces a late fitness test for a game where a win for The Pitmen would guarantee them a Play-Off place Kidsgrove Athletic play at the Autonet Insurance Stadium Stoke-on-Trent ST17 1DQ which has a capacity of 2,000 Their average crowd this season is 289 and their highest attendances are 724 against Congleton Town on New Year’s Day and 507 v Stafford Rangers cash or card at the turnstiles with kick off at 3pm On Sunday 13th April Hednesford Town Ladies are at home to Tamworth in a league game Kick off will be at 2pm with admission at £3 adults and £1 concessions and they have an away game at Eccleshall on Wednesday 16th April Become a member of our online community and get tickets to upcoming matches or sports events faster Website by Zephi we have caught up with the various chairmen from our local non-league teams to see how preparation for the 2023/24 season is going for their respective clubs First up is Kidsgrove Athletics’ chairman Mick Fitzjohn We discuss some of the new signings made by the club as several players return look at the work that is going on at the Autonet Insurance Stadium to improve facilities as well as talk about the Grove’s first friendly against Stoke City on Friday where Mick informs us that the Potters have told him they’re bringing some of the first team players down © 2024 Moorlands Radio C.I.C - All Rights Reserved Trees were uprooted on Thursday night in Kidsgrove and in one case smashed into a derelict church One resident said it was "absolute carnage" on the roads near him Others likened what they witnessed to a tornado A Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds remains in place until Sunday Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram ShareSaveCould this faraway world be home to life?Researchers studying planet K2-18b's atmosphere have detected signs of molecules which on Earth are only produced by simple organisms. Katy Perry kisses the ground as Blue Origin crew return to landThe all-female crew are back on Earth after reaching space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket. Watch: Moment Blue Origin flight with all-female crew blasts offThe six women, including pop star Katy Perry, took off from Texas on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket. Partial eclipse darkens sky over UK and abroadThe eclipse won't be total anywhere in the world, but parts of Canada will come close. 'A lot of panic': Tourists caught up in Bangkok earthquakePeople in nearby Bangkok have reacted after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar. Strong tremors were felt in Thailand as well as parts of China. Strange spiral seen in the sky - BBC explains what it wasOn Monday, stargazers may have noticed an unusual sight in the sky above the UK. Watch: LA sees first sign of partial lunar eclipseThe Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is live streaming its view of the celestial treat. First beavers from Scotland released in EnglandBeavers captured from Scotland are released into the wild in England for the first time. Watch: Rare planetary parade caught on camera by our expert stargazersThree astronomers tell the BBC what planets are on display in the sky above the UK this week. Watch: Tourists warned to stay away from Mount Etna lavaItalian authorities say people have been injured after venturing too close to the red-hot lava. Forecast: More stormy weather ahead as Herminia approachesBBC weather presenter Ben Rich has the latest update as a new storm approaches the UK. Watch: SpaceX loses Starship on test flightWatch: SpaceX loses Starship spacecraft but catches booster on seventh test flight Lift-off for Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocketThe mission was partially successful after the booster that propelled the rocket into space failed to land on a platform in the ocean. Major snowstorm covers beaches and brings skiers out in DCStorm Blair has brought freezing temperatures across the East Coast and Midwest US. BBC reports from snowy Leeds amid weather warningsAmber weather warnings are in force and travel disruption is expected in some parts of the UK, as snow continues to fall. Watch: ISS crew sends Christmas greetings from spaceAstronauts on the International Space Station send a festive message from orbit, some 250 miles (400km) above Earth. Weather forecast as Storm Darragh brings wind and rainElizabeth Rizzini has the latest forecast as Storm Darragh eases but continues to bring strong winds. Downed trees and wild seas as Storm Darragh hits UKA van driver has been killed by a fallen tree, as Storm Darragh brings strong winds and heavy rain. Latest forecast as Storm Bert brings floods and galesBBC Weather's Ben Rich has the latest forecast as the storm continues to bring challenging weather conditions across the UK. Residents who were evacuated from their homes last night (Tuesday 5 November) after a fire in Kidsgrove are receiving support from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council The borough council responded swiftly to a late night call from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service by quickly setting up a temporary overnight rest centre at Jubilee2 – with help from an incident management team comprising of council staff – for households who were unable to return to their apartments Seven flats were evacuated by crews as a precaution while the fire contained inside a storage room detached from the main flat block The council provided emergency accommodation, and refreshments for three people overnight – with a fourth joining them early this morning – while four others managed to find alternative housing Cabinet member for Community Safety and Well-being The council has a comprehensive civil contingencies plan which is ready to launch into action whenever there is an emergency in the borough Our director on call attended the scene to liaise with the fire service and partner agencies there were no hotels available so a decision was taken to set up a temporary rest centre at Jubilee2 to keep the evacuated residents safe and warm I would like to thank the council staff who answered the call and set up the centre They stepped up brilliantly; the evacuees were really appreciative of the assistance we provided We hope our guests can return to their homes later today We will continue to support them if needed over the course of today Last weekend Callum Leigh returned to Kidsgrove Athletic from league rivals Clitheroe FC The midfielder arrived at the Grove last January from league rivals Widnes and became a key figure at the heart of the Kidsgrove midfield playing 18 times and netting three goals in the process One of which was a fantastic free-kick in a 3-3 draw with Mossley over the summer he elected to play for the East Lancashire side where he featured 26 times for the Shawbridge club Having returned to Kidsgrove last week he found himself on the substitutes bench as league leaders Macclesfield FC came to town Leigh managed to get a slice of the action as he replaced Ryan Allcock midway through the second half We caught up with the midfielder after he arrived back at the Autonet Insurance Stadium and This interview was due to be part of this week’s episode of Moorlands Sport Extra The podcast brought to you by the sports team at Moorlands Radio due to the availability of our guests this week’s show was not recorded and we apologise for that They were only unsuccessful in Westlands, Thistleberry and Keele where Simon Tagg retained its seats. Across Staffordshire, Reform UK has won 24 of the 30 seats delared overnight. It means Reform UK need just eight more seats to gain overall control of the county council. The remaining 32 seats - across Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Stafford, and the Staffordshire Moorlands - will be declared later today. The overall Staffordshire County Council result is expected to be announced on Friday afternoon. A total of 298 candidates are fighting it out for the 62 seats. The ruling Conservative group won a landslide victory in the last Staffordshire County Council elections in 2021. It currently holds 53 of the 62 seats on the county council. The opposition Labour group has four councillors, with five independents. This election is being contested along new boundaries, following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission. Conservative, Labour and Reform UK candidates will contest every seat, with the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, UKIP and independents also represented. This is a live blog. For the very latest reaction and analysis follow our live blog below. Comments04:05Rob AndrewsAnother Reform UK victoryReform UK have won Newcastle South. Comments04:04Rob AndrewsAnother Reform UK victoryReform UK have won Bradwell & Porthill. Comments04:02Rob AndrewsAnother Reform UK victoryReform UK have won Kidsgrove. Comments03:59Rob AndrewsAnother Reform UK victoryReform UK have won Audley and Chesterton. Comments03:58Rob AndrewsAnother Reform UK victoryReform UK have won May Bank & Wolstanton. Comments03:56Rob AndrewsAnother Reform UK victoryReform UK have won Talke & Red Street. Comments03:50Rob AndrewsThe Newcastle Rural resultHere's how Reform UK won Newcastle Rural. For the full story, click here. Comments03:21Rob AndrewsReform UK win Newcastle RuralBig win for Reform UK. Comments03:18Rob AndrewsSimon Tagg has retained his seatSimon Tagg is back for a fifth term. For the full story, click here. Comments23:43Rob AndrewsVerification now underwayThe verification of the votes is now underway sped off after officers tried to stop him on Chell Heath Road The 29-year-old was filmed driving through red lights and traffic in Kidsgrove He later pleaded guilty to driving dangerously and without insurance before he was jailed for 32 weeks and disqualified from driving for three years at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Monday ShareSaveCars crushed as storm rips roof off buildingThe roof panel was blown off the building at JS Bailey Cheese in Calveley, near Nantwich. University recreated in world of FortniteStudents at the University of Staffordshire build their campus virtually via the popular video game. 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Video shows explosions in ambulance vehicle fireThe vehicle is destroyed in the blaze in Staffordshire which also damages windows and a nearby car. Alton Towers prepares to unleash Nemesis RebornNemesis Reborn, the upgraded version of the famous Alton Towers ride, opens to the public on Saturday. Man's relief at PTSD diagnosis after 30 yearsMark Herbert says he used to drink excessively "trying to block things out". Queues at TikTok sensation Spudman's tater trailerBen Newman has more than two million followers after his post-pandemic online videos went viral. Stargazer's garden gateway to universeTim Treadwell has installed professional observation domes in his garden to watch the night sky. Woman wakes up to new Geordie accentVerity Went says it is a rare side effect of her condition, functional neurological disorder. CCTV shows moment woman ran over fiance with carAlice Wood was filmed hitting Ryan Watson three times after a row at a 60th birthday party. Insurance salesman's viral videosLuke Hamnett regularly creates comic videos for his 1.5m followers on social media. Bridge lifted into place in Christmas rail worksA new platform bridge is installed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to serve Lichfield Trent Valley. Praise for widow's vital £100k for Guide DogsJaina Mistry is one of 14 people to benefit from a guide dog sponsored by Ann Moorhouse. Spud you like: Potato 'proves land not contaminated'It happened during a council meeting to discuss retrospective permission for a housing estate. line dancing and theatre classes – as well as community litter picks – are just some of the activities taking place in the Kidsgrove area from Tuesday 30 January as part of an ongoing initiative aiming to boost pride across the borough and strengthen its reputation as a place which is clean “Civic Pride in Newcastle-under-Lyme” – which launched late last year with a successful week of action in Newcastle town centre – is a response to feedback from residents It captures a lot of the work that already goes on by partners under a unified #PrideInNUL badge and is also a call to arms for everyone the borough council is working alongside Staffordshire County Council Staffordshire Police and Kidsgrove Town Council to co-ordinate events aimed at residents of all ages – from babies to retired people – in Talke The three-day campaign begins with an open day at Maryhill Family Hub involving craft sessions and financial well-being coaching Other venues include Kidsgrove Town Hall and the town’s library Daily drop-in sessions are also taking place at the Victoria Hall where visitors can get information and advice from the council A full timetable is available on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s website. It’s great to follow the successful launch of Civic Pride with an interesting line-up of events, suitable for all ages, in the Kidsgrove area. There’s something for everyone and I hope it encourages more residents to join in the fantastic opportunities available on their doorstep. This is the start of a long-term programme designed to make a positive difference by helping to create a strong sense of belonging to, and pride in, our fantastic borough. We know that when we work together with residents and communities, outcomes for everyone are improved which is why we’re focusing on further enhancing our approach to collaborative working.” Cllr. Gill Heesom, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Wellbeing, added: Creating healthy, active and safe communities is one of our main priorities. This means ensuring that everyone enjoys a safe environment and access to a wide range of facilities and activities to support and improve their health and quality of life. In addition to other council services, the latest Civic Pride programme encourages residents in Kidsgrove, whatever their age, to be active in their community through the enjoyment of healthy and fulfilling activities, with the hope that these have tangible and lasting benefits for them.” CloseA quad bike rider was caught on camera driving dangerously and at high speeds after police tried to pull him over Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionEditor's recommendationsMan jailed after fleeing police on quad bike 00:00:36Man jailed after fleeing police on quad bike 0:36Up Next Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 00:01:15Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 1:15Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video 00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster 1:21'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 1:20Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 2:54Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 1:32Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 1:11Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 0:50Ros Atkins on.. What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal 1:23Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 1:18Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released 00:00:46Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released 0:46Watch video shown to jurors in Sycamore Gap tree trial 00:01:17Watch video shown to jurors in Sycamore Gap tree trial Two dozen local projects are to receive £1.5 million in funding over the next 12 months On the back of three years of successful delivery of £4.8 million worth of schemes and initiatives Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council made a final successful bid to the government in the last year of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund Now funding will be shared to support voluntary and community groups across the Borough as well as supporting people learning new skills to improve their employability As a local council we are focusing on using this money across a variety of projects that will make a difference to people and the communities they live in.” Funding includes extending commitments to a worker supporting people struggling to access services quickly after discharge from hospital or prison someone working in the community to support those with mental illness and others promoting volunteering opportunities to help group and give individuals experience they can use on their CVs Other money will be used towards developing Navigation House which will open later this year to help vulnerable people stay off the streets supporting Keele University students and graduates using their skills to help develop businesses and a dedicated worker in Kidsgrove helping people back into work the Borough Council has overseen delivery of £4.8 million worth of projects within three key themes of community and place people and skills and supporting local businesses From business enterprise coaching to supporting a homeless hub the network of previous projects has included promoting community hubs at community managed libraries nature recovery in urban spaces and enhancements at amenity spaces including Brampton Park Clough Hall Park and the Trent and Mersey Canal Schemes supporting local businesses included enterprise support a small business space at Kidsgrove Town Hall and advanced digital technology and innovation support for businesses but they have the potential to bring real change across the borough helping to cement a feeling of community and define a sense of place alongside improving opportunities for people and enhancing their skills as well as supporting local businesses.” A full list of recipients for 2025/26 can be found here has today revealed that their new network has started to launch “in the Staffordshire region” with the town of Kidsgrove and village of Scholar Green (the latter is more in Cheshire) The provider, which in 2023 was acquired by Kompass Kapital (here) after suffering some job cuts and a build slowdown in the East of England (here) is currently busy deploying across parts of over 30 market towns in South Lincolnshire but there is no other significant presence from any alternative networks “We’re bringing our offering to Kidsgrove and Scholar Green to support the changing ways society stays connected From keen gamers to businesses and everyone in between LightSpeed delivers a broadband connection experience that is seamless and ultrafast We’re excited for Kidsgrove and Scholar Green residents to see the benefits of joining our network for themselves and welcome our first customers to their new digital experience.” Customers can optionally add a Home Phone plan for £4.80 a month, as well as a Static IP for £6 or a signal-extending Wi-Fi mesh from £8.99 Living in Werrington I’d pinned my hopes on Lightspeed for FTTP but it seems they’re not bothering with my house after doing the area Instead wanting to overbuild in Kidsgrove where there’s already BT We were able to lucky enough to get a static IP also Feel free to use my refferal code dagnisQgAAI to get your first 2 months free And yet at the same time LightSpeed simply won’t finish some network deployments in towns started years ago And still no provision of static IP addresses in certain areas Comments RSS Feed Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Atherton Collieries head out on the road once more on Saturday, looking to make it two wins from two as they travel to take on Kidsgrove Athletic. With poor weather forcing the postponement of scheduled home fixtures against Wythenshawe and Trafford, this weekend’s game will mark a third consecutive away trip for the Colls, who picked up maximum points when they visited Stalybridge Celtic two weeks ago. That most recent outing ultimately ended 3-1 in favour of Michael Clegg’s men as the influential duo of Keilen Adams and Aaron Dwyer were again on the scoresheet, with the latter of the two netting a brace. The same pair also got the goals in a 2-0 triumph over Avro at the Dreams2Reality Stadium, with those results (separated by a narrow 2-1 defeat at Clitheroe on Boxing Day) helping to maintain an at least somewhat reassuring cushion of five points to the relegation zone. Saturday represents a chance to grow that gap further still and to start making significant progress up the league table, with maximum points enough to go up as many as four places (Kidsgrove being one of the teams that would be leapfrogged in that potential equation.) The Grove did claim a 1-0 victory when these two sides last met back in September, but head into the return fixture having lost each of their last four league matches, last tasting victory against City of Liverpool on December 14. That difficult stretch forms part of an overall record of nine wins, five draws and 11 defeats in the Northern Premier League Division One West, with that return of 32 points from 25 matches good enough for 15th in the standings at the time of writing. So, with both camps certain to be hungry to claim what could prove a particularly valuable three points, this weekend’s game promises to be an intriguing and hard-fought encounter. And for those planning on attending on Saturday, match tickets will be available to purchase on the day by either cash or card, priced as follows: Adults: £10, Concessions: £6, Under 16s: £2, Under 12s: Free. Atherton Collieries are pleased to confirm our participation and support for the 2025 ‘March of the Day’ Grassroots Football Tour, in aid of the Darby-Rimmer Atherton Collieries will look to sign off the 2024/25 season in style on Saturday when they travel to face Witton Albion in their final outing The Stripes put in a tremendous last thirty minute stint to deservedly take a share of the spoils, against a workmanlike Clitheroe outfit. The final Atherton Collieries FC C.I.C. C-O Atherton Accountancy Limited, 30 Bolton Old Road, Manchester, M46 9DL Kidsgrove Athletic have announced this morning that they have parted company with Manager Scott Dundas with immediate effect. Dundas had announced earlier in the week he had decided to leave the club at the end of the current season. A statement released by the club said: “Following the midweek announcement that Manager Scott Dundas and his backroom staff would be leaving at the end of the season, the club and Scott have decided that in the interests of both parties to part company with immediate effect in order to allow the club to appoint a new manager with a view to building towards next season. Chairman Mick Fitzjohn wishes to place on record his thanks and best wishes to Scott and all his backroom team. Also departing the club are Neil and Val who again go with the clubs thanks and best wishes.” Dundas would have been in charge for four years tomorrow. He took over from Ryan Austin at the very start of the COVID pandemic. Legendary player Anthony Malbon has been placed in charge until the end of the season. His reign will start with a home game against Bootle tomorrow. He will then negotiate a Staffordshire Senior Cup semi-final away at Rushall Olympic next Tuesday. The winners will face Leek Town in the final which will be played at the bet365 on 16th April. New Kidsgrove Athletic signing Joe Woolley is determined to get the Grove promoted to the Northern Premier League Premier Division. The midfielder told Moorlands Radio in his first interview since returning to Kidsgrove from 1874 Northwich that the club should be aiming to make the end-of-season playoffs and, he wants to play his part by scoring goals and chipping in with assists. Also, while Woolley was with 1874 Northwich, he made more than 100 appearances for the club, and it could have easily been more had he not picked up a couple of injuries. Nevertheless, he was a fan favourite with the Cheshire-based side and, he will be hoping to be the same with the Grove fans. Atherton Collieries finally make their long-awaited return to the Dreams2Reality Stadium on Saturday, with Kidsgrove Athletic the visitors for what will mark manager Michael Clegg’s first competitive home fixture since returning to the club last month. Cup commitments (along with related postponements) have meant the Colls haven’t played a home game in the Northern Premier League Division One West since that against Witton Albion on August 24, which occurred five days before Clegg’s return was confirmed. Victories at Consett in the FA Trophy and West Didsbury and Chorlton in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy have followed in the intervening period, with those ties also serving as ideal ‘settling-in’ period for those brought in to bolster the playing squad. Familiar surroundings may aid that process for a number of those reinforcements, however, with previous fan favourites such as Danny Lafferty, Danny Lambert, Ethan Kershaw and Tom Bentham among the incomings as they re-unite under their former (and now current) boss. And their combined experience could prove invaluable as the Colls look to start climbing the league table, beginning with three points at home this weekend. Standing in their way will be a Kidsgrove side who have made a steady start to the 2024/25 campaign with three wins, two draws and three defeats from their opening eight league games, a return that leaves them eighth in an albeit slightly imbalanced early-season table. One name with the potential to be amongst the visiting ranks is one likely familiar to many close followers of lower-league football; that of veteran striker Matt Rhead. Rhead, who came off the bench to score in his side’s most recent outing, returned to The Grove in the summer having also represented the club early in his career, before going on to play in the Football League with both Mansfield Town and Lincoln City. In any case though, the focus of many on the terraces on Saturday will be firmly fixed on those in black and white, as they look to ensure that Cleggy’s official homecoming is one to remember. For supporters looking to be a part of what promises to be a real event of afternoon, and to cheer the lads on to three precious points, match tickets for this upcoming fixture will be available via our cash or card turnstiles, priced as follows: 1916 Club Members/Accompanied Under 11s: Free. Article: Ben Smith – Photo: Rob Clarke A comeback victory for Stafford Rangers at Kidsgrove Athletic was greeted with a visceral roar as Neil Kitching began his second stint as manager in winning fashion. Ashley Fallon and Callum King-Harmes netted to provide Stafford with their third league win in a row and another valuable three points in their quest to secure safety in the Northern One West. The victory sees Stafford remain 18th in the standings, one point above the drop zone.  And, new boss Kitching was delighted with the win and grateful to the hundreds of Rangers fans who made the trip to Kidsgrove.  He said: “My two boys asked me ‘are you nervous today Dad?’  “I said well if you are not nervous on match day regardless then there is something wrong. You want to win wherever you are at, but I am so pleased  “Turning up there is always a bit of apprehension, but the boys did a really good job for the club and deserved to get over the line. “The support was unbelievable, they were so noisy and it makes a difference. I said during the first time I was here, the more we can get the fans onside the better, they suck the ball in, they are the 12th man. “At the end for the players and staff to see it at the end behind the goal was unbelievable.” While former Port Vale forward Tom Pope aimed to be a source of problems for the Rangers, Zidane Sutherland came close for Stafford during the opening, brushing the net with his cheeky chip and attempt to catch Kieran Harrison off his line. The Boro’s Ben O’Hanlon escaped with a yellow card for his firm tackle which sparked a furious brawl. And, after firing narrowly wide with an ambitious overhead kick, Kidsgrove danger man Kingsley Adu Gyamfi gave his side a 26th-minute lead. Cameron Belford denied Robbie Hatton from making it two with his powerful free-kick before Ashley Fallon levelled for Stafford moments from the break with his sumptuous volley, and sent the Rangers following into raptures.  After the break, both Aaron Bott and Dan Holdcroft came close to earning the home side the lead.  But, from nowhere, Callum King-Harmes grabbed possession and, with time and space, guided his shot into the bottom corner to give Stafford the advantage. The Rangers denied late pressure to cling on for the win, ending a successful week.  Atherton Collieries somehow succumbed to an incredibly resilient ten man Kidsgrove Athletic outfit. The green clad Colls men started with good intent and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring on the fifteen minute mark. Aaron Dwyer wriggled clear and squeezed the ball home from an acute angle. It was his eighth notch of an increasingly fruitful campaign. The home side were struggling to get any foothold in the game and their frustrationboiled over when skipper was given a second caution for an over zealous challenge ten yards in opposition territory. They had to play a man shy for a full hour. Matt Bryan might have doubled the advantage when he raced clear only to put his cross shot narrowly wide as ‘grove glovesman Kieran Harrison watched on helplessly. Five minutes later, in the second minute of added time the hosts were back on parity. A nothing free kick was conceded midway in the Colls half.  The ball was accurately punted to Matt Rhead at the far post and he did what does best. His header arrowed into the far corner of the net for the totally against the run play equaliser. Matt doesn’t look like your typical modern day footballer but what a player. Both managers’ half time team talks had changed in an instant. Michael Clegg’s team continued to hog the ball after the interval but their depleted opponents were well up for their rearguard action. Dwyer was foiled on a couple of occasions after good Kielen Adams work and then came the sixty-fifth minute hammer blow. Kyle Diskin’s edge of the box free-kick struck the wall and the spun violently into the opposite side of the net. Sol Honor could only look on mesmerised. Colls turned it up another level and surely at least a leveller would come? There was a siege on Harrison’s goal but his defenders were inspired. Colls were frustrated time and time again and when they got shots on target Harrison was more than equal to it. In the dying embers, he expertly foiled Liam Sheppard from close range and when Adams acrobatically volleyed over it was time up. Upon reflection, Colls played decently and in other games would surely have taken a maximum return for their efforts. Kidsgrove thwarted them totally and set pieces enabled them to take the honours smash and grab style. That’s football, frustrating and exhilarating at the same time. On Tuesday, it’s a return to the Dreams2Reality Competitions Stadium for the first time in a month. Wythenshawe visit for a Pitching In Division 1 West ‘6 pointer’. KO 7.45pm Britain comes together to mark VE Day 80 as Red Arrows flypast soars over London WATCH NOW: Britain's longest-lasting neighbour row A 90-year-old former Army PT instructor has been handed a 12-month conditional discharge after punching his neighbour in a dispute over a motorhome Kenneth Bell struck his much younger victim during the confrontation in Kidsgrove North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how the incident occurred on March 11 when the motorhome was parked on land behind Bell's home Prosecutor Suzanne Swindail told the court that Bell confronted the complainant and his wife - both of whom insisted that they owned the land where the motorhome was parked giving the victim a two-fingered salute as he left the scene The court heard Bell later threatened to "set it on fire with you two in it" while the complainant was inside the motorhome as the victim reportedly responded: "I am not going to fight you." explained that Bell and his disabled wife live in a bungalow with a public footpath at the back The court heard Bell had lived in his bungalow for 20 years and felt the motorhome hampered his privacy as Bedford added that "he had sat on his frustration for some time" She added that Bell had "lost his temper" after what he claimed involved "abuse and threats" from the complainant who served in the Royal Artillery before becoming an engineer at GEC told magistrates: "I am one of 12 children Bell expanded on his ongoing dispute with the neighbours I have maintained this footpath for 20 years," he told StokeonTrentLive I am an ex Army physical training instructor The court heard Bell had lived in his bungalow for 20 years and felt the motorhome hampered his privacy (Stock) Bell pleaded guilty to assault by beating at North Staffordshire Justice Centre Magistrates ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £26 surcharge The prosecution had applied for a restraining order but magistrates did not believe that this was "necessary" nor "proportionate" The 90-year-old was ultimately given a 12-month conditional discharge for the offence The court heard differing accounts of the incident with Bell's solicitor suggesting there was "some distance" between her client's version of events and the prosecution's Ryan joined the Pitmen in February 2024 from Kidsgrove Athletic FC after a successful loan spell earlier in the season began his career with Port Vale in the Academy before joining Kidsgrove making 19 appearances in his first season in senior football three years ago He signed a three year contract with Kidsgrove and with a brief loan spell at Eccleshall has plenty of Step 4 experience already athletic goalkeeper with a good command of his box