April 2006Nantwich through to FA Vase final 08/04/06The town of Nantwich has plenty of reason to celebrate after their football team made history by reaching the final of the FA Vase for the first time. The south Cheshire team eased past North West Counties Division One rivals Cammell Laird 4-0, giving them a 5-0 victory on aggregate in the semi-final. The victory means Nantwich will face Hillingdon Borough at Birmingham City's St. Andrews ground on May 6th. £6,000 has been banked from the semi final win, and a further £15,000 is up for grabs if they win the final. March 2006Sports stars of future 31/3/06St Joseph's College in Stoke-on-Trent is hoping that two of its pupils can become sports stars of the future. Mark Deaville has been picked for the England B under-16 squad, while Emma Jackson has run in the under-18 world championships. To watch the video, click on the link on the right of this page. Late birthday present for Tracey. 26/3/06Staffordshire's Tracey Hallam claimed a badminton gold medal on the last day of action at the Commonwealth Games. Tracey won the women's singles event, beating Malaysia's Mew Choo Wong 21-12 21-15. Hallam, who turned 31 on Friday (24th March), was the number one seed and had not dropped a game on her way to the final. The gold completed her medal collection as the left-hander from Burton-on-Trent had previously won bronze in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and silver in Manchester four years ago. Steven Lewis wins a Bronze medal. 24/3/0619 year old Pole Vaulter Steven Lewis, went to Holden Lane High School in Stoke On Trent and lives in Light Oaks. He won an unexpected bronze medal for England in the men's pole vault when he finished behind Australia's Steve Hooker and Dmitri Markov. Listen to the interview with Steven and his dad by clicking on the links on the right of this page. Click on the link on the Local Competitors link on the right to find out more about Steven Lewis. Dunning wins silver and bronze! - 21/3/0621 year old Terri Dunning from Hednesford in Staffordshire, took the bronze in the 200m butterfly swimming event, with a personal best time of 2:09:87. She then added a silver medal when she swam in the women's 4 x 100m in which England finished second behind new world record-holders Australia in the 4x100m medley relay. "It was really tough on that last length but I'm really pleased," said the Stafford-born swimmer."It is my first major games and to come here and get my first championship medal is great. I have just had to keep focused all week." Bronze for cyclist Emma Jones 19/3/06Emma Jones from Alsager wasn't sure she'd make it to the Commonwealth Games, never mind win a medal, but her Bronze in the individual pursuit in Melbourne was the pinnacle of her comeback from injury. Emma broke her back in a road accident in November 2005, but is now readying herself for the Olympics in 2008, and she told BBC Radio Stoke's Phil Bowers that she can't quite believe everything that's happened to her... To hear the interview, click on the link on the right. Tweddle out - 15/3/06For the South Cheshire gymnast Beth Tweddle, the Commonwealth Games this month should have been another highlight in her sporting career.. At the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, she won a gold and two silvers and she hoped to add to that over the next few days in Melbourne.But then with hours to go to the opening ceremony, team captain Beth hurt her ankle and that means she'll now watch from the sidelines.To hear the interview, click on the link on the right. World Cup SongA Staffordshire songwriter has penned a song which he hopes could be sung in pubs and clubs across Britain during the World Cup. Steve Rushton from Stoke-on-Trent has written "Believe in the Dream" and is now trying to attract interest from national record labels. Stuart Ratcliffe went along to a pub in Bucknall to hear for himself what the song sounds like. To watch the video click on the link on the right. February 2006Stoke City Fan & his van!It's a committed football fan who travels over 10,000 miles a season to watch his club's HOME games. David Fuller went to meet Stoke City fan Andrew Duncan, and explains why his much-travelled van has become a local celebrity in its own right. To watch the video click on the link on the right. Tug of War team As a team, they are some of the strongest men in the UK. The Sheen Farmers are the best tug of war club in Britain and are about to take on the might of the world's strongest teams when they representing England in the World Championships. To watch the video click on the link on the right. Praise and Grumble Success Young Port Vale supporter Ryan Booth became so frustrated with the club's fair-weather fans he called Radio Stoke's Praise or Grumble phone-in to gee them up. When an anonymous businessman heard Ryan's impassioned plea, he was so impressed he bought the lad and his dad season tickets for the next league campaign. To watch the video click on the link on the right of this page. Snooker Champ dreams Stoke-on-Trent's Dave Harold will be playing in a Snooker World Championships qualifier in March. He's been ranked amongst the best in the world, and could be in line for a comeback. BBC Staffordshire TV interviewed Dave Harold to see what he thought To view the video click on the link on the right. Woking rock Rangers - 28/02/06Woking dented Stafford Rangers' season by dumping them out of the FA Trophy in the quarter final replay at Marston Road.Nathan Talbot's stunning 20-yard strike gave Rangers the lead but the visitors ran out 3-2 victors, with the winning goals in stoppage time. Robbie signs on dotted line for Vale - 27/02/06Yep, the Potteries rock-star boy wonder has done the decent thing by his boyhood club at last, and become a shareholder in his beloved football team. Robbie said: "Although I can’t be at the Vale often, my investment is just to say that my heart is still there and I’m a huge supporter."Bill Bratt, Port Vale’s Chairman welcomed Robbie into the fan base that has bought shares in the Club, commenting; "I’m extremely pleased and excited that Robbie has invested in the Club; it clearly shows that he cares about Port Vale F.C and its future."Although Mr Bratt wouldn't say how much of a stake Robbie had bought, he did reveal that all remaining shares in the club were gone. There had been £260,000 worth of shares available at the beginning of the month. Merson for Lambs -23/02/06Former England international midfielder Paul Merson has completed a move to Conference side Tamworth.See our Tamworth pages: bbc.co.uk/stoke/sport/non_league/index.shtml#2Cup Fever in Nantwich - 16/02/06The South Cheshire town of Nantwich has been abuzz with football fever for the last week or two. That is because the football team are in the last sixteen of the national competition the FA VASE. They are up against it as they are facing Buxton who are top of the Northern Counties East and have scored fourteen goals without reply in their last two games! But Nantwich Town have upset the odds before this season. After all, they have won away in the last three rounds at Chasetown, Quorn, and Needham Market. In fact the Dabbers won the “Performance of the Round” award after their heroics in the fourth round in Suffolk. Steve Davis’ side were leading 3-1 until the last ten minutes when Needham Market scored twice to send the game into extra time. Nantwich stirred themselves in extra time and ran out 6-3 winners. The award meant that the club received two tickets to the final to be held at Birmingham City’s St Andrews ground, two crates of the sponsors’ Carlsberg lager that mysteriously disappeared into the manager’s office(!), and the chance to host the trophy itself. Last Monday the Vase trophy was delivered by two burly men in a security van to the Jackson Avenue ground where the manager Steve Davis, player Phil Parkinson and local school children got their photographs taken with the prize they are hoping to win. The Chairman Clive Jackson refused to touch it due to superstition. Remembering MunichA former Olympic weightlifter from Burton-on-Trent has been talking about his memories of the 1972 terrorist attack at the Munich Games. Tony Ford was competing in the Olympics when 11 Israeli competitors were killed by Palestinian terrorists. The events are now the subject of a Steven Spielberg film.To view this video, click on the weblink on the right hand side of this page. Sir Stanley Matthews Day - 1/02/06The first "Sir Stanley Matthews Day" was celebrated today with a dinner at the Britannia Stadium at which Sir Bobby Robson was chief guest. In Stoke-on-Trent have been wearing their "colours" as part of Wear It With Pride and making donations to the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation.Pupils at Grange Primary School in Meir have joined in, with a specially commissioned mosiac that will be laid at the base of Sir Stanley's statue at the Britannia Stadium.To view a video of the mosaic, click on the weblink on the right hand side of this page. January 2006Bevan operation - 29/01/06Tamworth's goalkeeper has undergone emergency surgery to remove a kidney after he was injured during a football match, it emerged today. Scott Bevan collided with a Forest Green Rovers player during a game on Tuesday. The 26-year-old suffered severe swelling to his side and was sick on the coach journey home, and in hospital a scan revealed clotting around one of his kidneys. A decision was taken later to remove the damaged organ.In a statement posted on the club website, general manager Russell Moore said Bevan had spent a comfortable night in intensive care following the surgery: "This is very upsetting news for us all at the football club, especially after the recent highs of the FA Cup run in which Scott played a massive part. It puts a lot of football related issues into perspective."Bevan joined The Lambs from Milton Keynes at the end of October. Burslem empty! - 28/01/06Vale's largest away following for over ten years travelled to Birmingham for their Fourth Rd FA Cup match at Aston Villa. Forty coaches went to Villa Park, the largest amount since a League Cup game at Liverpool in 1991, when 8,000 fans undertook the journey.The fans' hopes were dashed as Villa took the honours in their 3-1 win. Vale v Villa memoriesPort Vale make the final preparations before travelling to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in the 4th round of the FA Cup. Nick Clitheroe remembers the last time they met in the cup, 16 years ago, when Vale were thrashed 6-0.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. Dario, er, in Dario Gradi, who's the League's longest serving manager, won't be relieved from his duties according to the Crewe Alexandra chairman John Bowler. With only six wins from the last 54 games and relegation from the championship staring them in the face - some supporters voiced their concerns at the club AGM that the manager who has been in charge for 23 years "has lost the plot". But Mr Bowler told BBC Stoke: " We have no intention of making a change at the top Dario's record speaks for itself, what we have to do is to try and find ways of helping him to improve the team". Ready to play England - 27/01/06Two Port Vale players have been presented with England and Trinidad flags at a special ceremony at Vale Park. Chris Birchill and Hector Sam play for both Trinidad and Port Vale. Trinidad are due to meet England in the World Cup later this year. Guinea (and Sam) through - 26/01/06Stoke City striker Sambegou Bangoura's team Guinea grabbed a last gasp winner to hand them a 2-1 victory over Zambia on Thursday in their Group C African Nations Cup clash. The win puts them through to the quarter-finals. Get training The organisers of the 2nd 'Afford Rent-a-Car' Potters Arf Marathon have announced that it will take place on Sunday June 11th. Entry forms can be got by phoning 07760 218809 or contacting don.shelley@hotmail.co.uk with reduced entry fees if received before the end of February.They have also launched a competition to find why people run for good causes and are inviting runners to send in their reason. The best entry (to the email address above) will win £100 - entries must be in March 3rd. Goalball - for the visually impairedJoe Dodson from Stafford is a Great Britain Goalball international. Now he's trying to get more people to take up the specialist sport for the visually impaired and blind. This is his Video Nation film.See the film at www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/videonation Burton bike club's future?Burton & District Sporting Motorcycle Club in Burton upon Trent - which teaches young people to ride - is fighting for its survival. The council wants to develop the land for a floodlit grass football pitch, as Paula Boys-Stone reports.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. Karl Henry profileFind out more about your favourite Stoke City talent in the latest player-profile. Stoke City midfielder Karl Henry tells all to Laura May McMullan.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. Stafford Rangers on rollStafford Rangers are six points clear at the top of the Conference North. They're hoping to get back to the Conference proper, after an absence of 10 years.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. Hockey internationals England have named a hockey squad for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne which contains three Cannock players. Squad: G Kirkham, J Bleby (Loughborough Students); J Ebsworth (gk), R Alexander, M Daly, B Garrard (capt), R Moore, J Tindall, B Marsden (Surbiton); J Fair (gk), M Jones, S Cordon, B Middleton (Cannock); J Clarke, S Mantell (Reading); B Hawes (Amsterdam). Sledging crazyEbrahim Arshad from Endon, near Leek, is a sledging fanatic! If there's a slope you'll probably find him sledging down it. See the film at www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/videonation Burton trio earn England call-ups - 19/01/06Three of Burton Albion's FA Cup heroes have been called up to the England National Game squad. Ryan Austin, Jon Shaw and Shaun Harrad have been included in an initial 26-man party to face Italy in the European Challenge Trophy next month. Tamworth defender Dave Bampton, 20, who played in the Lambs' FA Cup ties with Stoke, is also in the squad, which will be reduced to 16 on 1 February. England will play Italy on Wednesday, 15 February. *Halls heads out - 19/01/06Reading Football Club have agreed to sign John Halls for £250,000 from Stoke City. The 23-year-old will sign a two-and-a-half year contract until the summer of 2008. Halls had agreed a deal to join Southampton earlier in the week - but changed his mind when Reading expressed their interest. *Burton impress Fergie - 18/01/06Burton performed magnificently despite their loss, didn't they? Though they went down by 5-0, they really were fighting all night in the FA Cup Third Round replay at Manchester United. Fergie said it best: "This is Burton's night. We have had European teams - and many Premiership teams - come here and never show anything like the kind of positive attitude they did. Most teams come here, stick one up front, fill the midfield and borethe pants off everyone. Sometimes they get a result; sometimes they don't. Atleast Burton have come here with a positive attitude, and their fans can beproud of them." See the weblinks on the top right-hand of this page for all about the night.Meanwhile, Sarah Dolman, a young Burton fan, did a video diary of the experience, which you can watch from this web-page. To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Life cruel for Tamworth - 18/01/06Stoke City will admit they were incredibly fortunate to emerge from their FA Cup 3rd Round replay with Tamworth to go through to the fourth round. Tamworth were never behind in open play, and only lost on penalties.See weblinks on the right of this page for more about the night. *Edwards exits TamworthTamworth manager Mark Cooper has lost the services of striker Jake Edwards ahead of the FA Cup third-round replay with Stoke. Edwards, who featured in the 0-0 draw at the Britannia Stadium, has been forced to return to Exeter.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *"Amateur darts" says Bristow - 16/01/06Former darts world champion, Eric Bristow, who is now based in Staffordshire, says he hopes there will be no attempts to stage a World Championship unification match between Phil Taylor and Jelle Klaasen - if just to save the young Dutchman from embarrassment! Klaasen became the youngest world champion at the age of 21, taking that record from Bristow, with victory in the British Darts Organisation's version. But Bristow, who is now affiliated to the rival Professional Darts Corporation, described the BDO's tournament as "amateur darts" - and believes Klaasen cannot yet hold a candle to all-conquering Phil `The Power' Taylor. *Non league, er, shocks - 14/01/06Tamworth might have had one eye on next Tuesday's Cup replay with Stoke, because they lost to Accrington Stanley in the Conference. And Burton Albion crashed out of the Birmingham Senior Cup, losing 4-1 at Stourbridge, just two days after their excellent performance against Manchester United. *SCFC fans head for replayFA Cup fever is still alive in Staffordshire. Season ticket holders at Stoke City began queuing on Thursday morning for tickets for the replay against Tamworth on Tuesday.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. Cresswell WanderersCresswell Wanderers, from Bloxwich, are a football team who can't find anyone to play them. So... a BBC team took on the squad of special needs youngsters! Brady Haran reports.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. Stafford's Model Car ClubIt's fast and furious racing and no one gets hurt, despite the crashes. Around 50 drivers of all ages race each other each week in Stafford at one of the country's biggest radio control car clubs.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Abbey out of African NationsThe Port Vale full back George Abbey has told BBC Radio that being left out of the Nigerian squad for the African Nations Cup is the biggest disappointment he's had in football. Abbey's season so far has been a frustrating one and he`s only just returned to the side after a two month spell out with an hamstring injury, but he says it's been difficult to get over the setback of not playing for his country on the big stage. *Burton look ahead to UtdPeople have been giving their reaction to Burton Albion's plucky 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. The team's captain Darren Stride said the result was "out of this world", while shoppers in the town centre were ecstatic about the result. To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. The replay will get live commentary via the internet on this site. *Tamworth Cup - not on TV?Tamworth player-boss Mark Cooper has called for his side's FA Cup replay with Stoke to be televised. But he said: "We're only little Tamworth and I won't hold my breath. Anyone who listened to me this week would know how bitter I am that we haven't had a TV game despite having beaten two League One teams away. To get a result here takes some doing, believe me, and I think this is biggest result in the club's history."He added: "It may have been a little bit unjust if we'd nicked it but the players were fantastic. We had a gameplan and we stuck to it. We frustrated Stoke and at the end we were catching them on the break a bit. From one to 13, they were absolutely tremendous, the part-time players were fantastic."To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page.The game will however get live commentary via the internet on this site. *Port Vale go to VillaPort Vale's FA Cup wishes came true this week when they secured a money spinning fourth round draw against Premiership big boys, Aston Villa.The draw will be played at Villa Park on the 28th of January and the management at Vale hope the match will provide a much needed cash boost for the League One club.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Stoke vs Tamworth report - 08/01/06Conference club Tamworth earned a replay after a goal-less draw at Stoke City in the FA Cup third round. The result is one of the biggest upsets so far in the competition.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Burton hold Utd - 09/01/06Burton Albion earned a lucrative FA cup replay at Old Trafford, after holding Manchester United to a nil-nil draw. To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Tamworth tipple Tamworth play Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium in the FA Cup this weekend. They'll be sent on their way by Tony Hill, landlord of the local Sir Robert Peel pub, who has brewed a special beer for their FA Cup campaign! *Burton vs Man UtdNon-league Burton Albion are preparing for Sunday's FA Cup 3rd round clash with Premiership giants Manchester United.The Brewers are hoping they can defy the odds to make it past the Red Devils into the 4th round.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Think lucky... - 04/01/06Going into this weekend's Cup games, non-league football fans might like a flutter on their teams' chances of ultimate Cup Final success. If you believe in the dream, William Hill's odds are: Burton Albion at 10,000/1, Tamworth at 5,000/1.See our non-league pages for the build-up... *Andy "Hammer" HamiltonAndy "The Hammer" Hamilton is one part of Stoke-on-Trent's holy trinity of darts players. Along with world champion Phil Taylor and young hopeful Adrian Lewis, he's in the top flight of the professional game.Hamilton's only been entering professional tournaments for the last 18 months and has already made it to a quarter-final at the World Championships. He anticipates the prospect of all three throwers from the Potteries representing their country at the 2012 Olympics.See the video report by clicking on the link in the top right hand side of this page. *Boskamp ultimatum - 03/01/06Stoke City could be looking for a new manager in six months time when Johan Boskamp`s contract expires. The Potters' boss has once again reiterated he`ll leave the club in the summer if they don't get rid of director of football John Rudge.Boskamp fell out with his managerial team two months ago after note was passed by Rudge to the assistant manager Jan De Koning during the game at Coventry.Speaking exclusively to BBC Radio Stoke, he said: " My contract expires on the 30th of June, and everyone knows the problems and I don`t change my mind. I have my principles and the board know that". *Darts: No Power Cut! - 03/01/06Phil Taylor warned his rivals he is not ready to be usurped as the dominantforce in darts with an awesome 7-0 whitewash of old foe Peter Manley in thefinal of the Ladbrokes.com World Championship. The performance the 45-year-old from Stoke produced to capture the sport's biggest prize for the 13th time indicated he will not be relinquishing his crown in the near future.In achieving a massive three-dart average of 106, Taylor never gave any sort of chance to Manley: "It's unbelievable to have come through a field of 64 of the best players I've seen for a long time," said Taylor, who has been beaten only four timessince he started contesting World Championships in 1990. *Phil Taylor World Darts - TV Video reportPhil "The Power" Taylor reinforces his legendary status in the sport of darts by winning his 13th world title. To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page.*Phil Taylor at Home - TV Video reportBBC Staffordshire TV went to visit Phil and his family back at their home in Bradwell, North Staffordshire, to reflect on the world darts win.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Uttoxeter Racecourse walk - TV Video reportWhilst many of us make our way to work through the rush hour, Keith Ottesen takes a walk in the countryside. But it is no leisurely stroll, because Keith is clerk of the course at Uttoxeter racecourse.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. December 2005*Cannock march on - 10/12/05Cannock extended their 100% record to a remarkable 12 matches this season with a 7-1 demolition of bottom side Chelmsford in the men's Premier Division. Andy Langlands scored a hat-trick with Scott Cordon, Barry Middleton, Matt Taylor and Richard Lane also on target. Not surprisngly, they lead the division. *Cannock Hockey club - TV Video reportThe leading club in the country is breaking records, winning 12 games in a row.That's on top of their treble success last year.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Birchall v Gerard - 9/12/05Debut-making Trinidad and Tobago (including their Port Vale winger Chris Birchall) will be in England's group in the World Cup finals in June. England plays Paraguay on June 10 in Frankfurt, Trinidad and Tobago on June 15 in Nuremberg, and Sweden on June 20 in Cologne.Nine Trinidad and Tobago players are at English clubs, including goalkeeper Shaka Hislop. "When it happened, I was just running around, cheering in the bar" said midfielder Chris Birchall. "I will be lining up against players who I have been watching week in, week out in the Premiership - especially my hero Steven Gerard". *Carrying a TorchRunning with the Olympic Torch is usually something only the elite of the athletic and sporting world get to experience. But this year, Richard Wain from Cheddleton, nwear Leek will be among the runners in Italy for the Winter Games.Richard entered a competition answering the question: If you could phone one sports personality (dead or alive) who would it be and why? Richard chose Jim Redmond, father of Derek Redmond, “who helped his son over the finishing line at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, after he had a hamstring injury. It speaks of commitment, help and back up from parents, for athletes to persevere and the courageous witness.” Richard and seven other members of the public are part of the relay to carry the torch as it starts its journey from Rome, on December 9th, to Torino for the start of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games on the 10th February. *Albion Burton Albion have confirmed that they will play their FA Cup third round tie with Manchester United at the Pirelli Stadium. The tie will take place on January the 8th, a Sunday, to avoid being played on the same day as the Derby County tie against Burnley (Burton's stewards are used at Pride Park too). There's been no official announcement as to whether the game will be shown live on television - but BBC Radio Derby understands it will be - with a four o'clock kick off. *SCFC - 7/12/05Stoke have signed winger Peter Kopteff on a free transfer, fighting off competition from teams in Europe to seal a two-and-a-half year deal for the 26-year-old Finland international. Kopteff, was with Norwegian side Viking Stavanger, but his contract was about to come to an end. *Burton beat BurscoughA 4-1 2nd round FA Cup victory over Burscough secures Burton Albion a plum tie with Premiership giants Manchester United.Nick Clitheroe reports on what are exciting times for the Brewers - see the video report on clicking on the link in the top right-hand side of this page. *DartsNewcastle's Phil the Power Taylor will begin the defence of his World Darts Championship against David Platt. Taylor who is going for his 13th title will face the Staffordshire based qualifier on the opening night of the tournament on Monday December 13th.Staffordshire`s two other hopes Adrian Lewis plays David Honey and Andy Hamilton faces last years quarter finalist Bob Anderson. *Young Taekwondo stars - TV Video reportThe London Olympics may be almost seven years away, but the search for potential champions begins now. In Staffordshire, young stars of the martial art taekwondo are already looking ahead to 2012.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Doug - Martial Arts Man - TV Video reportDoug Clarke runs the Black Cobra Martial Arts club in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. He's been involved in the sport for over 30 years and now coaches kids a variety of fighting disciplines.It's something he does in his spare time, but he spares time for it seven days a week. As Doug explained to BBC Staffordshire TV: "It's my life. The only time I'll give up is when I'm in a box". Ian Bucknall reported for BBC Staffordshire TV.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *SCFC - 7/12/05The police will be meeting Stoke City football club to talk about the brawl during Saturday's match against Queen's Park Rangers. The FA says it'll look at the video and the referee's report and will be writing to both teams to get their thoughts.Stoke City's Chief Executive says it was a bad day for the club but says the stewards did a good job.... *SCFCIt'll be an all Staffordshire derby in the next round of the FA Cup, as Stoke City take on NON LEAGUE Tamworth.The Conference strugglers will make the trip to the Britannia Stadium after they beat Hartlepool at the weekend. *ValeThe chance to play Doncaster Rovers instead of the likes of a Chelsea in the FA Cup 3rd round has been WARMLY received by the Port Vale manager Martin Foyle.The Vale are just relieved to be STILL in the Cup, having scraped a draw with Bristol Rovers and Foyle says there will be less pressure on his team now to progress. *BBC Midlands Sports Awards - 04/12/05Twelve world darts titles and six Grand Prix titles, but it still wasn't enough to win Phil the Power Taylor the Sports Personality of the Year award at the BBC Midlands ceremony last night - but then he was up against tough competition. The prize was scooped by England cricketer Ashley Giles, who's still riding on the crest of the Ashes win in the summer.But there was one local winner - 17 year old sprinter Alex Nelson from Stoke-on-Trent. He won the BBC Local Radio Breakthrough award, after an amazing year when he broke the British under 18 record for the 200 metres.See also: special report with all the winners, elsewhere on this site. *Go the "Lambs"!! - 04/12/05Tamworth FC's reward for making the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history is a local derby - away to Stoke. The game will be played in early January. *Hockey bulldozers! - 03/12/05Cannock made it 11 successive wins from the start of the season in the men's Premier Division with a 3-1 victory over Canterbury. Having fallen behind to David Mathews's 17th-minute penalty stroke Richard Lane and Andrew Langlands both scored for the defending champions before half-time, with Lane netting his second after the break. The result maintained the eight-point lead over Surbiton. November*Tweddle takes bronze - 26/12/05South Cheshire's Beth Tweddle took the bronze medal in the uneven bars final at the World Gymnastics Championships for the second time in her career on Saturday. The City of Liverpool gymnast, who also finished third on her main apparatus in Anaheim in 2003, scored a tidy 9.575 to secure her podium place in Melbourne. Tweddle's success made up for the heartache of just missing out on a bronze in Friday's all-round final. *TrophyBurton Albion have been handed a home tie in the first round of the FA Trophy. The Brewers, who face an FA Cup 2nd round tie this weekend, will face either Worksop Town or AFC Telford United. The tie will be played on Saturday 17th December. *Tom's in - 27/11/05A Staffordshire-based runner has been selected to be part of the British team's bid for honours at next month's European Cross Country Championships. Tom Humphries (Cannock and Stafford AC), is in the the Norwich Union GB team for the championships in Tilburg, Holland, on December 11. *Memories of George Best - 25/11/05George Best died on Friday 25th November 2005. The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star had put up a "long and valiant fight" against illness. George Best was remembered particularly in Newcastle. The great man played for Newcastle Town in 1991 - his last competitive match.In Ian Bucknall's video report, featuring action from that game, club members remembered how he played for 'Castle in their first game under new floodlights at the Lyme Valley Stadium.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. Best was one of the great characters of football - and one man who remembers him well is Sean McCarthy. Sean was the General Manager of the Grand Hotel in Stoke on Trent when they first met in the early 1970s and the two were good friends for over 20 years. BBC Radio Stoke's Denholm Siegertsz asked Sean for his memories of the soccer legend...To hear the interview, click the link in the top right-hand corner of this page. *FA excitement The draw for the FA Trophy - the tournament for non-league sides - has been announced. Games involving local teams are: Sutton Coldfield Town or Halesowen Town v Tamworth; Solihull Borough v Hednesford Town or Moor Green; Burton Albion v Worksop Town or AFC Telford United; Stafford Rangers v Lancaster City or Workington. All ties must be played on Saturday 17 December 2005. *Pearson joins equestrian hall of fame - 22/11/05Six-times Paralympic Games equestrian gold medallist Lee Pearson has become the first Paralympian to be inducted to the British Horse Society's Hall of Fame. He was inducted to the Hall of Fame yesterday along with showjumper John Whitaker and event riders Pippa Funnell and Lucinda Green."It's a great honour," said Lee. "The moment I think life is getting back to normal something wonderful and surreal like this happens. It feels unbelievable to get an award for taking part in the sport you love" he added. "It is also great for a Paralympic rider to be recognised in this way."The names of those added to the Hall of Fame were revealed by Noel Edmonds, British Horse Society President. *Cup - 16/11/05The revised draw for our local sides is: Burton Albion v Burscough; Hartlepool Utd v Tamworth; Port Vale v Bristol Rovers. Matches to be played on the weekend of December 2/3/4th*Burslem to Germany - 16/11/05Celebration tinged with pain is the best way to describe Chris Birchall's World Cup triumph. The Port Vale winger will be going to the World Cup next summer after his country Trinidad and Tobago beat Bahrain 1-0 in the second leg of their play off game to qualify for the Finals in 2006 - but Birchall himself, who scored their equaliser in Saturday's first leg, was injured by a challenge and had to limp off soon into the game. 18/11/05 Chris Birchall interview on TV - From Port Vale to Port of Spain, fans have been celebrating Trinidad's qualification for World Cup 2006. He was interviewed by Graham McGarry.To view the video report, click on the relevant weblink in the top right-hand corner of this page. *Mixed Cup - 16/11/05Chasetown's FA Cup dream finally ended at Boundary Park. The South Staffordshire part-timers held out for half an hour before finally going behind. And the Scholars were still in the game at half time, but three second half goals sealed a convincing victory for the Latics.Conference strugglers Burton Albion shocked their League Two opponents Peterborough with victory in the FA Cup 1st round replay at their East Staffordshire ground. Shaun Harrad was the hero for The Brewers, latching on to a Darren Stride flick and firing home on 73 minutes.Tamworth player-boss Mark Cooper hailed their 2-1 FA Cup win at Bournemouth as his greatest achievement as a manager. *Tiff off? - 16/11/05The tiff at Stoke City looks to be over for the time being after the club released an official statement saying there has been a full review of the roles of the management team and all three are staying on.Johan Boskamp had been left fuming with interference during the match at Coventry from director of football John Rudge and assistant manager Jan De Koning. But with De Koning supervising today's first team training, and not Boskamp it seems the uneasy situation is far from over. *Astle coming? - 16/11/05Local cricket followers could be seeing one of the most prolific run makers in the game playing his cricket next season in Stoke On Trent. Champions of the North Staffs and South Cheshire League Longton are on the verge of signing the New Zealand opening batsman Nathan Astle.The 34 year old has had the details of his contract faxed to him and the club secretary Jeff Worsdale is confident that the signing will go through. Astle is dynamic and hard-hitting batsman who has a total of 13 centuries. His best Test score , 222, came up in The National Bank Series in 2002 against England. *Utd lose to Albion!? - 14/11/05 Sir Alex Ferguson watched his Manchester United side beaten at Burton Albion, 2-1. They were visiting the Pirelli Stadium, so the manager could officially declare it open. He cut the ribbon, alongside Brian Clough's widow, Barbara. Ferguson told the BBC that he much admired the Brewers' new ground. *The Powers powers on - 14/11/05Newcastle's Phil Taylor HAS returned home from Holland having won his fourth and fifth PDPA players championship titles of the season last weekendTaylor, who has only suffered one defeat in major events this season, warmed up for the defence of his world title, which begins next mont,h with victories over Colin Lloyd and Steve Maish which earned him £10,000 and 40 world ranking points. *Boxing success - 10/11/0529-year-old Scott Lawton from Werrington made it sixteen victories from his 18 fights when he beat Ben Hudson from London on points in what was his first fight in his home town, at the King's Hall in Stoke-on-Trent. *Britannia row rumbles on - 10/11/05Stoke City`s players have said they are giving their full support to the manager Johan Boskamp as D Day at the Britannia looms. The fall out between the manager and his managerial team of Jan De Koning and John Rudge is due to be resolved next Monday. Boskamp was left fuming after learning the two had discussed tactics during the win at Coventry without the manager knowing. *Alex international flavour - 10/11/05It's now four players that Crewe Alexandra have had called up for international duty next week.Steve Jones and David Vaughan will both be away with Northern Ireland and Wales, and with Garry Roberts and Billy Jones also linking up with the England under 19s, it means the Alex will have four players absent when they start to prepare for the local derby game against Stoke a week on Saturday.*Golfing China - 10/11/05Despite lost bags at the airport, and Jet lag, Newcastle's Simon Wakefield carded a first round 68 in his bid to win a share of 5 million dollars in China. The Trentham Park player is 4 shots off the lead at the Champions tournament in Shanghai. *Jamie snookered - 10/11/05Stoke's up and coming snooker player Jamie Cope has been beaten by 5 frames to 3 by Robert Milkins in the final qualifying round for ther Malta Cup. *Rudgey in trouble - 7/11/05Stoke City Football Club has confirmed that their director of football John Rudge and their assistant manager Jan De Koning have both been given 7 days leave after a disagreement with the manager Johan Boskamp. The club's official statement says that the pair have been requested to take the leave following a difference of opinion with Boskamp. During Stoke's last game, at Coventry. defender Gerry Taggart took up De Koning's position. *Big Apples - 6/11/05Stoke-on-Trent resident, Eddie Taylor, helped to raise over £2,500 for charity when he participated in the New York Marathon. Eddie, who is financial director of the laminate retail company Floors-2-Go and who lives in Trentham, ran the 26.2 mile course to raise more money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the company’s nominated charity.Eddie has already participated in the London Marathon and the Great North Run this year along with chief executive of the company, Simon Farnsworth, and managed to complete the famous New York race, which took him through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Central Park to name a few places, in five hours. Simon was also due to take part in the New York Marathon, however, due to an existing knee injury, he had to pull out of the race. *Cup glory - 5/11/05Staffordshire teams came strongly through on FA Cup weekend. Only one of our sides suffered a reverse.Port Vale came through as expected against Wrexham - in a 2-1 win. They face Bristol Rovers next.Conference outfit Tamworth were one of only two non-league teams to take a league scalp as they beat Bournemouth 2-1 on the south coast. Graham Ward's 28th-minute opener gave the Staffordshire side the lead and though Brian Stock equalised before half-time with an excellent free-kick, Mark Cooper's men held firm. They got a winner when Kyle Storer scored the rebound from his own missed penalty after Neil Young handled inside the box. For interviews, paste this URL into your browser: Http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4411746.stm Tamworth have been rewarded with a trip to Hartlepool in the second round. Meanwhile a crowd of 2,000 saw Midland Alliance minnows Chasetown hold League One outfit Oldham to a 1-1 draw. Should Chasetown be victorious in the replay (which takes place on Wednesday 16th November), they will entertain Brentford in the second round. And Conference side Burton battled out a goalless draw and now take their League Two opponents back to East Staffordshire for the replay on Wednesday 16th November. The winners of this fixture will then host giant killers Burscough who knocked out Gillingham. However Hednesford finally bowed out of the FA Cup after a disappointing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Histon. October*The Power still hungry - 30/10/05Stoke darts champion Phil Taylor is determined to add more trophies to his impressive collection after winning his sixth World Grand Prix title in Dublin. 'The Power' demolished world number one and defending champion Colin Lloyd in the final of the Skybet-sponsored event, clinching a 7-1 success at the Citywest Hotel. And he immediately turned his attention to the Ladbrokes.com World Championship, which gets under way at the Circus Tavern in December. "I'd love to win 13 world titles - it's the date of my birthday and a lucky number," said Taylor, whose bid for Grand Slam glory was ended by John Part in the quarter-finals of the Stan James World Matchplay in July.The 45-year-old, who is still second in the world rankings behind Lloyd, also revealed that his hunger for the game has not diminished over the years. "I've probably got as much ambition now as when I first started playing the game," he added. "But it's weird because I've probably got more nerves than when I first started."*Fame for Chasetown It's been announced that Radio Five Live will broadcast next Sunday's FA Cup match between Chasetown and Oldham live, which could bring even more funds to the club. It is already to be screened live on BBC TV's Match Of The Day, netting £75,000 for the club. The club's commercial manager Loz Hawkes said: "All of a sudden we have gone from being a little village club to being in the limelight," he said.All tickets will cost £10, and go on sale Wednesday at 7pm.*Chasetown's dreamPart-time Chasetown Football Club, made up of Black Country and Staffordshire plumbers, carpet fitters and road workers, still can't believe they are through to the FA Cup proper after beating Blyth Spartans."This is an absolute dream and we're living it," said manager Charlie Blakemore, who compared the night to birth of his daughters Emily, aged 7, and one-year-old Lily. "It's one of the best days of my life, beaten only by the birth of my two daughters," he said.*Chasetown's Cup!Over two thousand saw a last minute goal from Carl Edwards put Chasetown through to the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's fifty-one year history.The "Scholars", from the Midland Alliance, beat Blyth Spartans, who are two divisions above them, 1-0.Burntwood Town Council leader Paul Atkins, who played for Chase Terrace Old Scholars before they became Chasetown, said: "We are just over the moon. Last night people were clinging to trees to get a look."The club dedicated the 1-0 victory to life member Cliff Dyke, who tragically died at Blyth after collapsing before Saturday's game. There was a minute's silence to remember 86-year-old.To hear reports from the game and the manager's interview, click on our "Sport in Audio & Video" link in the top right hand corner of this page. 25/10/05 *ValeAs reported last week here on BBC Radio Stoke, on loan Sheffield United striker Gary Mulligan has signed up for a second month at Vale Park, but fellow loanee Darrell Clarke has returned to Hartlepool.*Cup draw The matches involving local teams in the First Round of the FA Cup are:- Peterborough Utd v Burton Albion; Histon v Hednesford Town; Blyth Spartans / Chasetown v Oldham; Bournemouth v Tamworth; Port Vale v Wrexham. Matches to be played weekend of 4/5/6 November. *Cannock - Chelsea? Hockey's Premier Division champions Cannock are doing a Chelsea! They opened up a six-point gap over Reading after beating their arch-rivals 4-2 at the Morris Ground. Simon Ramsden and Barry Middleton both scored from penalty corners in the first 12 minutes although Andy Watts pulled one back, also via a set-piece. Two goals in six second-half minutes from Richard Lane and Andrew Langlands put the match beyond the visitors, although Ian Haley's 57th-minute penalty corner briefly raised hopes. 22/10/05 *Cup gloryLocal teams have been out playing in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup. Scores were: Blyth Spartans 2-2 Chasetown; Burton Albion 2-0 Leek Town; Hednesford 3-0 Vauxhall Motors; Tamworth 3-1 Altrincham.Chasetown were the giant-killers of the day. The Midland Alliance club, five divisions below their opponents in the football league, drew with Blyth, twice taking the lead in the north-east before a late penalty from the home side forced a replay. Chasetown could be set for an £80,000 cash bonanza if they win their FA Cup replay because the "Scholars" will face League One side Oldham Athletic in the first round proper of the FA Cup if they overcome Blyth Spartans at their Church Street ground on Tuesday. Manager Charlie Blakemore said he was proud of the way his part-time side had performed and he urged all Midland football fans to turn up and support Chasetown! 22/10/05 *21st OctStoke fans might be wondering who will be pulling on the captain's armband for the game at home to second placed Reading as Michael Duberry begins his three match ban. Well BBC RADIO STOKE SPORT can now tell you... it'll be Dave Brammer. *20th OctI bet you'd have liked to have been a fly on the wall at this meeting! Stoke City's Johan Boskamp, John Rudge and Micheal Duberry gathered this morning to watch the DVD of Duberry's sending off against Crewe, and decided to STOP their appeal with the FA to get it rescinded. The club captain WILL now be suspended for the next 3 matches against Reading Southampton and Coventry. *AlexHow many other clubs in the English game would allow a player to leave them after scoring 22 goals in 28 appearences last season? Well, Crewe Alexandra are on the verge of allowing Juan Urgarte a return to Wrexham where he was prolific goalscorer for the Welsh side.Urgarte has yet to make a first team start for the Alex since he joined them in the summer, and has vented his frustration about a lack of opportunities to his manager Dario Gradi. The loan move will only be completed though if the football league give their approval due to Wrexham still being in administration. *Vale - 18th OctoberPort Vale's manager Martin Foyle is demanding enough money from Plymouth to sign adequate replacements if Sam Collins and Billy Paynter decide to leave the club. Speculation surrounding the pair's future has been added to by rumours that Argyle striker Scott Taylor could be on his way to Vale Park in a part exchange deal. Vale were 3-1 winners over Kidsgrove Athletic in the Staffs Senior Cup last night, but sustained injuries to Danny Holmes and Jonny Brain. *Bring it on! A number of Staffordshire teams will be dreaming of FA Cup success next weekend, in the Fourth Qualifying Round for the Cup. Staffordshire teams involved and their fixtures (on 22nd Oct) are: Tamworth v Altrincham; Blyth Spartans v Cogenhoe United/ Chasetown; Hednesford Town v Vauxhall Motors; and one derby match - Burton Albion v Leek Town. *World Cup winner...so far - 12/10/05Chris Birchall is 21, from Stafford, white with blond hair and blue eyes.... and he's on the verge of playing for Trinidad and Tobago in the World Cup finals in Germany next summer! Port's Vale's winger helped guide his national team through to a play-off against Bahrain by beating Mexico - who are ranked 5th in the world. The team scored two goals in front of the 40,000 crowd in Port of Spain to give them a 2-1 victory, and Birchall can't believe he's so close to a boyhood dream.Trinidad now play Bahrain on the 12th and 16th November - victory over the two legs will take them to Germany. *Chasetown chasing glory Staffordshire side Chasetown reached the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time - and are now just one game and one win away from the first round proper. A hat-trick from Karl Edwards helped them triumph 4-3 against Cogenhoe United. 11/10/05*11th OctoberPort Vale's Chairman Bill Bratt has told BBC Radio Stoke the club would have to consider selling a player if a substantial offer came in, but says that no one has shown any interest yet.The club went a long way towards balancing its books last season with the sale of Steve Brooker to Bristol City for an initial £150,000.But Bratt says they've received no offers for any of Martin Foyle's team at the moment. *World Cup moments There were mixed fortunes for local players in the World Cup qualifiers. Trinidad - and their Port Vale winger Chris Birchall - moved a step closer to the finals with a 1-0 win over Panama, and can clinch a play off place on Wednesday night, but Birchall's Vale colleague George Abbey and his team Nigeria are out - despite beating Zimbabwe 5-1. Among Stoke City players, Carl Hoefkens played the whole game as Belgium lost 2-0 at home to Spain, and Mamady Sidibe was in the squad as Mali lost 3-0 to Senegal. And Crewe's Steve Jones and David Vaughan were subs on either side as Wales beat Northern Ireland 3-2 at Windsor Park. - 10/10/05 *Dave pots luckLast year's Embassy World Championship finalist Matthew Stevens became the first big-name casualty at this year's Grand Prix in Preston falling 5-4 to Stoke's Dave Harold, who is 41 places below him in the world rankings. "Even at 4-2 down I was still confident I could win," said a delighted Harold. "My confidence was at its lowest ebb last season, but I have still got belief in myself." Harold struggled for 11 months having broken his wrist in a bizarre Christmas accident. 9/10/05 *Cannock crushers! Champions Cannock sent out a message to their Premier Division hockey league rivals with an 11-0 demolition of Chelmsford to maintain their three-point advantage at the top of the table. Set-piece specialist Simon Ramsden scored a hat-trick, Andy Langlands claimed two, while Martin Jones, Andy Brogdon, Scott Cordon, Harry Jawanda - with his first league goal - Michael Johnson and Barry Middleton also got on the scoresheet. 9/10/05*Hales saved Anglers in the Staffordshire Moorlands have been reassured that their favourite fishing lake won't be drained. They feared Hales Hall Pool near Cheadle might be left dry to save money on remedial work to make it safe. But now the leader of the local council has said he'll make sure the lake is retained. SEPTEMBER27th SeptThe Football Association has apologised to Port Vale over the confusion surrounding Tony Dinning`s suspension.Club officials had the midfielder banned for the game against Oldham after accumulating five bookings.But manager Martin Foyle has confirmed today that he`s allowed to play in the game. 22nd SeptemberPort Vale have WON THE RACE TO SIGN the Sheffield United striker Gary Mulligan on a months loan.Manager Martin Foyle has told BBC RADIO STOKE that he`s now hoping the 20 year old can travel with the squad for the game against Yeovil although he won`t be in the starting line up. Three months after being sacked by Stoke City - Tony Pulis is on the verge of a return to mangement.Plymouth Argyle are set to appoint the former Potters boss as Bobby Williamson's replacement. "I've got to sort out the contract situation with Stoke, but as soon as that done I will go and talk to Plymouth," Pulis told the BBC. 21st SeptemberStoke City defender Gerry Taggart has told BBC Radio Stoke that he'll retire at the end of this season.The former Leicester defender has spent the last couple of days coaching the first team squad on his own, and plans to go to Holland in October to watch Feyenoord and Ajax in their coaching methods. 20th SeptemberIt seems to be going from bad to worse for Stoke City`s new signing Sam Bangoura.He`s now being kept on the sidelines after he limped out of training with a slight hamstring injury.The 23 year old striker still remains under police investigation on suspicion of assisting an illegal entry into the UK and he`s been bailed to re-appear at Loughborough Police Station on October 24. 19th SeptemberStoke City fans may still be seeing full back John Halls pulling on a red and white striped shirt despite not having settled his future with the club. Johan Boskamp has admitted the player could come back into his plans before January's transfer window re opens. Contract negotiations with the former Arsenal full back are ongoing, but he was on the bench for THE 1-0 win over Preston. Port Vale's manager Martin Foyle's HAS TOLD BBC RADIO STOKE that supporters booing his team at the end of the game against Colchester will have an effect on his players. Vale were beaten at home for the first time this season, in the process conceding their first goal in over 6 hours at Vale Park. But Foyle says that the team were hurt from the supporters' reaction . The Crewe Alexandra assistant manager Neil Baker is calling on the Football league to investigate the use of the multiball system that some clubs employ. Multiball is where more than one ball is available to teams when the original match ball goes out of play, but it more often than not favours the home team. But Neil Baker says match officials are not stamping down on the unfair use of it.Britannia possibilityStoke City's ground is in the running to host part of the UEFA under-21s championship in England in 2007. The final will be at Wembley, but the qualifying stages will be held in the Midlands.More martial artsThe Staffordshire Martial Arts centre has opened - with a sword cutting ceremony. Rice mats soaked in water for 3 days, then dried for one (which then gives them consistency of a person's neck!) were cut. The centre at Wharf Road in Rugeley is believed to be unique in the English Midlands being decorated in the Japanese way. Japanese alternative therapies and traditional Japanese swordmanship are also taught there. 17/09/05BowlingIn crown green bowling the Waterloo Handicap in Blackpool reaches its climax this week.Three Stoke players are through to tomorrow's last 16 with Dean Ferris Alan France and Kerry Morris all winning their games today.Birches Head bowler Andy Owen won the Midland Masters, beating county team mate Joe Melvin 21-18 in the final, thereby taking up one of the remaining few spaces in the Champion of Champions next Saturday at Blackpool.Special games Teams from Staffordshire are competing today at the county's Special Olympics. About 200 athletes with learning difficulties and physical disabilities are taking part in the athletics competition in Cannock. 14/09/05Utd coming to Pirelli The Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will officially open Burton Albion's new Pirelli Stadium next month. Ferguson has agreed to bring a United eleven to celebrate the opening of the ground - he'll be assisted in cutting the ribbon by Barbara Clough, mother of the Brewers' manager Nigel. 10th SeptemberAlsager boxing promoter Pat Brogan's launched a daring bid to sign up of of the UK's most successful boxers. Brogan's trying to take advantage of Ricky Hatton's dispute with Frank Warren to sign him up for a three fight deal worth around £7million. 8th SeptemberStoke City will lose new signing Sam Bangoura for a month at least in January after he helped his national team Guniea qualify for the African cup of Nations next year. Bangoura scored as they beat Malawi 3-1 at the weekend to reach the finals which begin on January 21st. 7th SeptemberPort Vale's Chairman Bill Bratt has been dealt some harsh lessons along with a less than fruitful outcome in their case with Preston over Dave Hibbert.With just £35,000 up front in contrast to North End's offer of £60,000, Bratt says in hindsight he'll look at future deals differently.If the Eccleshall born striker makes any first team appearance for the Championship side an extra £1,000 up to 50 appearances will be paid.Mr Bratt said "...this type of decision will encourage other clubs to poach young talent knowing they won`t have to pay a respectable transfer fee". Stoke City could be stung for £1million though if their tribunal with Millwall over Peter Sweeney's transfer to the Britannia Stadium goes against them. The Potters are in Manchester and are believed to have offered a five figure sum for the winger, leaving a huge gap for the tribunal to decide on. 5th SeptemberPort Vale's goalkeeper Mark Goodlad equalled a 34 year old record by keeping five clean sheets in his last five home matches in their 2-0 win over Rotherham at the weekend. 4th SeptemberA marathon - and a bit! Fifteen hundred competitors took part on a hot Wolverhmapton day in the town's annual Marathon race.Despite being sent the wrong way for half a mile, Adri Hardveld, a physiotherapist and fellow of Staffordshire University, came home to win. Longton a go-go A rugby club in Stoke on Trent has finally been given the go ahead for new facilities after 18 months of waiting. Longton Rugby Club has had to have permission from the Deputy Prime Minister because it wants to build houses on green belt land.The rugby club's present site is on green belt land on Roughcote Lane at Caverswall, but it wants to leave there to go to a new development. It wants to build four houses on the old site, and turn the existing pitch and hard standing into meadowland. It was approved by Staffordshire Moorlands Council in December 2003 but had to be looked at by John Prescott's office. Although it said the development isn't appropriate for green belt land, the benefits of the club moving to the new site at Trentham Lakes in Stoke on Trent outweigh that.The new site can be reached by public transport and would provide much needed recreation facilities for the community. 2nd SeptemberWomen's CricketDespite being part of the winning side in the Women's Ashes Series, Nantwich's Laura Newton was on the wrong end of a 4 run defeat to Australia in the fifth Women's One Day International. She made 61 off 77 balls before being bowled. Australia won the series 3-2. BowlsCrown Green Bowlers in North Staffordshire are mourning the sudden death of Gerald Marsh. A respected man both on and off the green, Gerald was recently elected the Potteries county patron, he also held the post of the Stoke On Trent league treasurer for over twenty years. He was long serving member of Milton Recs B.C. winning many individual and club honours, and he was among the victorious 1982 county side which won the County Championship for the one and only time in the county`s history.He was lifelong Stoke City fan and was also the brother of former Stoke full back Jackie Marsh. August 2005Selling his soleAn athlete from Stoke-on-Trent says he's going to help runners cut down on the number of injuries they suffer. Long-distance runner Adri Hartveld has spent the last ten years researching a new type of running-shoe sole, which gives runners better support. He did his research at Staffordshire Uni, and now has set up a business to develop and sell his new product. 19/08/05(For more on this story, click "Audio/Video link" at the top right hand of this page)****Want to see sports stories from previous months?Check "Staffordshire's Life" Archive link which you'll find in the Links at the top right hand of this page | 
