LOCAL SOCCER: Micky wants change of Vase luck

MICKY Bartholomew doesn't have the best of luck with the FA Vase - but he is hoping his fortunes will change this season.

The Stand striker played for Colne Dynamoes the season they clinched the coveted trophy but left before the Wembley final in 1988.

"I was in the Colne history books because I played in one of the early rounds in Glossop, was delayed getting to the ground but finally got there at 4.20. I was a sub and came on to score the winner in a 4-3 win. But I only lasted six months at Colne as I don't like sitting on the bench!"

Then six years ago, the forward was at Flixton when they had a run in the competition.

"I partnered Jimmy Clarke up front in the quarter-final and we scored the goals which got us to the semi-final.

"The manager then went out and bought two new strikers and I was just in the squad for the semi-final against Brigg.

"We didn't end up coming on and Flixton lost 1-0. Although I was gutted for the lads I couldn't help but feel pleased that the manager got his just desserts."

Bartholomew, who 'doesn't like warming the bench' and lists former clubs as Buxton, Lancaster, Curzon Ashton, Chadderton, Colne 'too name a few', is now hoping current club Stand can put together a Vase run.

They travel to Hull side Hall Road Rangers in the second qualifying round tomorrow in their first season in the competition.

'Barty' is looking forward to renewing his interest in the Vase.

"We hope it could be our year in the Vase. I always wanted to play at Wembley and I think it is at Villa Park this year but to play at any Premiership ground would be great."

The 35-year-old has been at Stand for four years and has helped them to the top of the NWCL Division Two after promotion from the Manchester Premier League last season.

Stand set up base two years ago at Haslingden's former ground Ewood Bridge and that are hoping to attract local support.

"I've played against Haslingden throughout my career especially when Jimmy Clarke and the Grimshaw's played for them. I remember they were always well-supported.

"We are hoping we can get some of these fans back at Haslingden although I know the likes of Rossendale and Ramsbottom are doing well.

"But we are trying to make our mark and we'd love poeople to come and watch. We have added Haslingden to our name in the hope it will give us some local identity and I know the manager Nick Davis is looking at local lads. We want to make an impact in the area."

The team has plenty of good youngsters alongside the experienced heads of Bartholomew, Steve Davis, Dave Channon and goalkeeper Tommy Allen.

Chris Denham, an 18-year-old striker, is getting a lot of attention and Ramsbottom put seven days on him although he decided to stay at Ewood Bridge. His brother, left winger Mark, also plays for Stand.

"You can always spot those two," laughed Bartholomew, whose highest tally for a season is in the 30s. "They are the first out to warm-up, first to get ready, and first on the field. They are raw, only young - and they join in taking the micky out of us oldies.

"Tommy Allen gets a lot of stick - especially from the opposing fans. He's a big lad but he gives as good as he gets."

And another character is skipper Steve Stott.

"He always goes out round Bury and allegedly, according to him, women flock to him!

"We do have a good laugh at the club and that is why I have stayed. I don't usually last too long at clubs!"

Manager Nick Davis has led Stand to success and the striker says he is a good - if entertaining - gaffer.

"It is an education to sit behind the dug out and listen to Nick, especially if we are losing. It's better to be on the bench at that stage than on the field receiving his comments."

Davis hasn't had a lot of reason to shout at his side this season - and he won't be shouting if they put together a good run in their debut in the competition. MICKY Bartholomew doesn't have the best of luck with the FA Vase - but he is hoping his fortunes will change this season.