49 minute read
Welcome to the Ambitek Stadium 2019/2020 Home of Irlam FC
from IRLAM FC V CONGLETON
by IRLAM FC
Welcome to the Ambitek Stadium 2019/2020 Home of Irlam FC
Advertisement
v CONGLETON TOWN NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 23rd November 2019 K.O. 3.00pm
T H E N O R T H nwcfl.com For the latest League & Club News & Info, Fixtures, Results, Cup Info, Stats & Archives Official Website of The North West Counties Football League
F O O T B A L L Follow us on social media Search ‘North West Counties League’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube
prouD SpoNSor oF THE rEuSCH CHAMpIoNS Cup, GoALKEEpEr oF THE MoNTH AND GoALKEEpEr oF THE YEAr AWArDS
www.reusch.com www.facebook.com/ReuschUK www.twitter.com/ReuschUK For more information, visit
IRLAM FOOTBALL CLUB An Unincorporated Football Club Community Amateur Sports Club Reg No 06428
NICKNAME Mitchells
GROUND The Ambitek Stadium, Silver Street, Irlam, Manchester M44 6HR
MEMBERS OF Manchester County Football Association The North West Counties Football League The North West U21’s development League The North West Youth Alliance League
CLUB OFFICIALS Chairman: Mr Steven Nixon Secretary: Mr Warren Dodd Treasurer: Mr Ian Street
MANAGERS 1st team: Michael Dodd U21s Development: Lee Hilton U18’s Youth: John Main
Supported by:
IRLAM MANAGER: MICHAEL DODD ASST MANAGER: JOE DUCKETT COACHES: DANNY BUTTERS/ WAYNE BURGESS
LEE WHITE ANDRE STEWART DYLAN MEREDITH RYAN LEDSON KARL CASSELL CHARLIE DOYLE LIAM MORRISON MARCUS PERRY JORDAN SOUTHWORTH CALLUM NICHOLAS LIAM POLLITT MWYIA MALUMO EOIN CHARLES ZACH DULSON SAM BOLTON DANNY EYRES CALLUM MCCARTY ZACH DULSON GEORGE FARRELLY JORDAN ICELY SAM BOLTON
CONGLETON TOWN MANAGERS: ANTHONY GRIFFITH /PHILLIP HADLAND COACH: CHRIS ROWLEY
BEN CHAPMAN PAUL CONNOR RICKY BRIDGE JOSHUA RYDER THOMAS MORRIS ANTHONY GRIFFITH KYLE DISKIN KIERON BRISLEN DANIEL COPE JORDAN COLE STUART WELLSTEAD JOHN MAIN PAUL SPEED THOMAS RUTTER LIAM MORAN JOSEPH TAYLOR-MOUNTFORD
OFFICIALS REFEREE: ABID HUSSAIN ASSISTANT REFEREES: NIGEL ANDERSON, EMILY CARNEY
Good afternoon and welcome to the Ambitek Stadium as we return to Premier Division action, welcoming Cheshire based side Congleton Town FC.
As always, we wish those who have travelled from Congleton an enjoyable stay in our company this afternoon. They are all very welcome.
As I write this we sit in sixth spot, in what is a tightly packed group of Clubs at the top of the division, and though talk of positions in the table at present is a bit preposterous with just a third of games played, experience tells us that some of those Clubs will remain at the top. It is our job to try and ensure we are one of them. Our squad is stronger than it has ever been before, with no average players or makeweights in the squad. We have a genuine first team squad, and with three promotion spots up for grabs we must count ourselves in for a tilt at success.
Our visitors this afternoon are in the middle of change, a new coach brought in has been given the perfect start with a 3-1 victory away at Charnock, and with new players arriving at Booth Street, todays opposition may be a little bit of an unknown quantity.
No midweek fixture ahead of us this week gives the game added importance as neither side will want to be licking their wounds for seven days before getting the chance to put things right.
As always, thank you for your tremendous support, our attendances are growing steadily which is fantastic, as these players deserve the whole town to get behind them
Enjoy the game
Warren Dodd, Club Secretary, IRLAM FC
Our win at Barnoldswick last Saturday was as complete a performance as we have put in all season. The way we moved the ball about made the game look easy, and 3-0 could have been much more.
We were brought down to earth on Tuesday as 1874 bundled us out of the Cup, a 4-0 drubbing that may ultimately work in our favour as our workload reduces, even though that wasn’t the plan!
Irlam Gateway Service Station Liverpool Road, Irlam. M44 6FW Tel: 0161 302 4218 SAVE
VALID UNTIL 28/02/18
* 7p per litre off advertised pump price PLUS 5p per litre Texaco Star Rewards
Welcome to all for this afternoons Hallmark Security League Premier Division fixture. It doesn’t give me any less of a good feeling writing “Premier Division” than it did 3 seasons ago when we first got promoted, however, we always look to progress on and off the pitch.
Things are going well, having just lost 1 League game so far this season. We’re aiming to be in the fight for a top 3 place at the end of the campaign, still a long way off but I think it’s achievable.
We came crashing back down to earth on Tuesday after a comfortable win away at Barnoldswick last weekend, 1874 dumped us out of the Macron cup! A 4 nil drubbing didn’t flatter the hosts!
We’ve shown we can more than match the sides in the top 6 and today will be another tough test.
Congleton have made a few changes to the squad and have a new manager in place which has given them a needed boost!
I want to once again thank our supporters who travelled to Barnoldswick and Northwich. We are growing in numbers and it’s great to see, I know the management and players appreciate it.
Can I also mention our sponsors, who without their support we couldn’t continue to run the 1st team as successfully as we do.
Just to sign off - My thanks & appreciation also goes to the Management & Coaches of our 18’s, 21’s & 1st Team. I know how tough it is to keep motivated, giving up hours & hours of their time to commit to the club - All voluntary! The committee and I give them our full support.
Keep going fellas! The hard work is paying off!!
Enjoy the game & cheer the lads on!
Steve Nixon, Chairman
Premier Division P W D L F A GD Pts 1 1874 Northwich 13 10 1 2 41 14 27 31 2 Longridge Town 11 9 0 2 31 16 15 27 3 Charnock Richard 15 9 0 6 35 27 8 27 4 Whitchurch Alport 12 8 2 2 27 16 11 26 5 Bootle 13 8 2 3 26 20 6 26 6 Irlam 12 7 4 1 34 18 16 25 7 Ashton Athletic 13 7 1 5 31 19 12 22 8 Rylands 12 7 1 4 27 17 10 22 9 Winsford United 13 7 0 6 31 25 6 21 10 Northwich Victoria 13 6 2 5 28 17 11 20 11 Runcorn Town 13 5 4 4 21 21 0 19 12 Congleton Town 14 5 3 6 30 30 0 18 13 Avro 15 5 2 8 30 33 -3 17 14 Hanley Town 13 4 4 5 17 20 -3 16 15 Barnoldswick Town 14 4 2 8 23 33 -10 14 16 Squires Gate 15 3 2 10 22 39 -17 11 17 Padiham 15 3 2 10 14 32 -18 11 18 Skelmersdale United 14 2 4 8 16 27 -11 10 19 Burscough 15 2 3 10 12 38 -26 9 20 Litherland REMYCA 13 1 5 7 7 41 -34 8
STATEOFMINDSPORTISPROUDTOBETHEofficialCHARITY PARTNEROFTHENORTHWESTCOUNTIESFOOTBALLLEAGUE.
StateofMindSportisacharitythatharnessesthepowerofsportto promotepositivementalfitness,toimproveperformanceamongour sportsmenandwomen,fansandwidercommunities, ANDtoultimatelypreventsuıcide.
StateofMindSportraiseawarenessoftheissuessurrounding mentalfitnessanddelivereducationonthesubjecttoalllevels ofsport,business,educationandcommunitygroups.
Hello and welcome to today’s Premier Division game against Congleton Town. Our visitors arrive in a midtable position, but got a brilliant result in their last game, a 3-1 victory over high flying Charnock Richard to kick start things for the new gaffers. You always have to be wary of sides with new management, as it usually gives that immediate freshness and motivation to the whole squad in the short-term.
We arrive on the back of a disappointing 4-0 defeat in midweek, away at leaders 1874 Northwich in the Macron Cup. To sum it up, we weren’t at our best on the night and i think 1874 were. The energy they put into the game was hard to deal with and they deservedly went through to the next round. For us, it’s about using the game as a learning tool and a bit of a wakeup call as we move forward.
Last Saturday we travelled to Barnoldswick Town in what is always a difficult fixture. To return home with 3 points and a 3-0 victory in the bag was really pleasing for us all. We had a lot of lads playing through illness on the day and to put the shift in that they did, on a difficult surface, was great to see. Connor Martin was brilliant for us all afternoon, along with Jordan Icely and the 2 of them caused the Barlick defence all sorts of problems.
It showed the strength of the squad that we could bring on Marcus Perry who duly obliged and scored the 3rd to wrap the game up, Khius Metz who has come in after a spell out of the game following his release from Burnley and Mwiya Malumo who seems to score at will for our U21s side. We are still looking to add to the squad as we approach the testing winter period.
Overall, we are happy with the progress so far. With only one defeat in our 12 league games so far we are showing more consistency than in previous seasons, but I will only be happy if we get the 3 points today!
Enjoy the game.
Michael Dodd, 1st team manager, IRLAM FC
Events which led to the formation of Congleton Town Football Club, began in the 1890’s, the St James’ North Street School amalgamated with another local club, the Messrs Pointons Joiners Shop. They played on West Heath before housing was built in that area, and then became Congleton Hornets Football Club. The Hornets played at the Willow Street ground famed in Congleton, and competed in the South Cheshire League and recorded its’ record league win, 10-0 against Audley in the 1897/98 season. Congleton Town Football Club succeeded the Hornets in 1901, playing in the Crewe and District League for four years, the first three of which saw the club lift the League Championship. The Club then moved into the North Staffordshire League in 1905, and won the League Championship in the 1919/20 season. The following year they joined the Cheshire County League, regarded at the time as the best League outside the Football League. The following season they finished runners-up and won the coveted Cheshire Senior Cup in their first appearance in the Final. The Club then suffered a barren spell until the Senior Cup was won again in 1938. Success after the War did not descend on Booth Street until the 1971/72 season when the Club, now playing in the Mid-Cheshire League, won the League Cup after being runners-up in the League both that season and in the previous season. Three Mid-Cheshire League Championships then came to Booth Street in the 1973/74, 1975/76 and 1977/78 seasons, together with the League Cup and the Cheshire Saturday Cup. Although this was the most successful period of the Club’s history as regards silverware, the truly successful period began in the 1981/82 campaign, when the Second Division of the Cheshire County League was gained on the last game of the season, and Town were narrowly beaten to the Cup by Macclesfield Town. That was the last season of the Cheshire County League before the North West Counties League came into existence. As founder members of this new League, Congleton finished the first three campaigns in mid-table and then were narrowly beaten to the Championship by Clitheroe on goal difference in the 1985/86 season. The Club then had its, application to join the Northern Premier League rejected, but joined the higher league when the First Division of the NFL was formed in 1987.
The highlight of the 1989/90 season was to reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s history. Although beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra, that achievement re-kindled local interest in the Club upon which its management hoped to build. The Final of the NPL’s First Division Cup was also reached in this season, but the “Bears” were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by Harrogate Town. The “Bears” enjoyed exciting times in the First Division, initially finishing in mid-table but
then, playing to avoid relegation as the seasons come to a close. Between 1993 and 1997 a new Board of Directors brought financial and managerial stability to the Club, whilst the present Directors aim to continue this work and improve the Club’s fortunes in the years ahead. The club had a good season in 1999/2000 but fell away badly the following year. Despite reaching a best ever 4th Round of the FA Trophy before defeat by Worksop Town, they struggled badly in the league. The club appointed Sean Connor as manger in February 2001 but he could not prevent them finishing bottom of the UniBond League and relegation became a reality.
The early season of 2001/02 saw the club take just 9 points from 17 league matches and early exit from FA Cup and FA Vase. Sean Connor was replaced as manager by Kevin Langley, ex Everton and Man City. The club made a fine revival and had reached virtual safety before Langley’s shock move to Kidsgrove Athletic. Bryan Griffiths took over as manager and gained the points to make safety a certainty and stake a strong claim to keep the manager’s job. He was formally appointed at the end of the season. Gary Bickerstaffe joined him as assistant and in September 2002 he invited Kevin Langley to return as a player and to help with coaching. When Griffiths left to join Rossendale Utd, Kevin Langley was re-appointed as manager and Mark Cox joined to complete an experienced management team. Off the field the club continued to enjoy growing support from sponsors and steady improvements in its facilities, culminating with the signing of a two-year deal with Macclesfield based SSG Group of Companies during the summer of 2003. During the summer of 2002, the clubhouse underwent major refurbishment and is seen by the club as a major step towards increasing its revenue potential. The changing facilities were redesigned and upgraded. The team reached the fifth Round of the FA Vase, beat three higher league sides in reaching the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, the semi-finals of the Cheshire Senior Cup and the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup. In all cup competitions other than the FA Cup, only the eventual finalists beat the Bears. With promotion missed, a number of players left the club in the summer of 2004 leaving Kevin Langley with the task of rebuilding the side for the 2004/05 campaign. After a poor start and early exits from all major cup competitions, Karl Wilcox replaced Kevin Langley after he resigned in November 2005. In a further twist in an already difficult season, Karl Wilcox resigned after 11 defeats in 12 games. Paul Moore was appointed for the remainder of the season and he guided the team to safety before confirmation of his appointment signalled the start of rebuilding of a side aiming to challenge for honours.
2005/06 started brightly with SSG adding a third year to its already valuable sponsorship, but swift exits from cup competitions were a disappointment. After many changes in personnel, the team settled to end the season
with a creditable run in that held promise for 2006/07. The start of a football academy for 6-15 year olds and the introduction of a reserve side were positive steps to help build the teams of the future. 2006/07 saw new sponsors STD Limited, part of the Pallex network, entering a 2-year deal which they then extended a further year. The supporters trust provided kit for the reserve team.
After a steady start to the 2006/07 campaign, Paul Moore left to manage Leek Town and Andy Lee took over the managerial reins as the club strived to maintain continuity. The Bears lifted their first piece of silverware for some time when they won the Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup after defeating Witton Albion 3-0 at Wincham Park. At the end of the season Andy Lee stepped down as he announced a proposed move to Blackpool and Anthony Buckle and Darren Twigg were appointed with the task of rekindling the on-field performances. Off the field new floodlights were installed and the stand behind the bottom goal was re-roofed. After a reasonable season, despite a poor final run in, both Anthony and Darren stayed with the club and continued to build a side with promotion the target within the next couple of years. That plan was maintained in 2008/09 as the Bears ended a creditable 4th, just 1 point away from a 3rd place finish. A final run in of just 1 league defeat in the last 20 matches encouraged everyone. With two new key local businessmen, Nick Shatwell and Martin Lenton teaming up to add impetus to the club’s ambition, significant development of the clubs facilities were started. A redesigned entrance, turnstiles and car park were the first step. Refurbishment of the club house followed and tarmac has been laid in the car park. For the start of 20010/11 the club now has a hospitality suite for sponsors and a new boardroom. With Ant and Twiggy remaining at the helm, they have been busy strengthening the squad for a serious attempt to lift some silverware and to complete the ambition for a return to Northern Premier League football. However, after an indifferent season in 2010/11 the pair tendered their resignation.
2011/12 saw the club jointly managed by Joe Paladino and Adriano Rigoglioso. Assisted by Joe Gibiliru, the playing side were completely reformed but indifferent results led to Dean Sibson placed in temporary charge in early November before Jim Vince was appointed in February 2012. His was tasked with rebuilding the side ready for a real push for promotion in 2012/13. He was initially assisted by Neil Gill and Steve Hardy before Neil left the club mid season. With the addition of Gateley Solicitors and PKF Accountants forming new partnerships with the club, the erection of a new spectator covered standing area and strengthening off field organisation, the club starts the new season with a new found enthusiasm and optimism for 2012/13. That was not borne out completely, so strengthening was needed for 2013/14. Having been awarded grade E for their ground in March 2013, ready for the next tier in the pyramid, strengthening of the playing squad was a priority and over the close season some additional players were brought in
to complement the majority that were staying. Both Jim and Steve Hardy, now with Andy Alston on the coaching staff, look to improve on last year’s achievements with promotion still the obvious goal. With the opportunity to continue strengthening the squad for 2014/15, Jim has signed players that will improve the overall quality of the squad and once again push for that elusive promotion place for a return to Northern Premier League football. That wish just failed to materialise and the club once more looked to change direction with the replacement of Jim Vince. Steve Hardy and Mike McDonald have taken over the running of team affairs with Andy Alston and team captain Andrew Langford able to add their experience to the redeveloping of the side. With a number of players departing in the summer, Mike and Steve have started the rebuilding which may take a few matches to get 2015/16 in full swing.
After a string of disappointing performances and results, the club board moved to appoint Andy Alston and Griff Jones as joint managers. Although neither have a track record of management, the club felt they had the right credentials to bring the best out of the squad. That was proved in an excellent run of 14 games unbeaten in March and April 2016 but work commitments meant Griff could not give the time to his role and during the close season, Andy appointed Tom Baker, from Prescot Cables (and an ex-Bear) as his assistant. Both were tasked to continue the work to build the strength and quality of the squad to try to improve on the 6th place finish in 2015/16. Sadly season 2016/17 proved to be disappointing, culminating in the Bears ending 16th and Andy Alston stepping down.
The Bears moved quickly to appoint Ian Street, who had left 1874 Northwich in March, as manager and he in turn appointed his assistant Brian Pritchard, who played for Witton and is their record appearance holder before he went on to manage them. They are joined by Paul Johnson, an A Licence coach with Port Vale Academy. The appointments have rekindled the enthusiasm among fans. Ian’s tenure was brief with results disappointing, leaving in November 2017 and Brian Pritchard stepped up with Paul Johnson as coach. They built the squad ready for 2018/19 and a third place in the Premier Division and semi-finalists in the Macron Cup was a fine return on a good season. Paul Johnson opted to step down for season 2019/20 and captain Anthony Griffith (ex Port Vale and Leyton Orient) stepped up as coach. The Bears also won the Premier Division Overall Respect Award for the third year running.
Once more the new season was one the fans were looking to see the Bears do even better than 3rd place. Sadly, a disappointing start to the season saw the Bears win just 5 of 17 matches, including two cup defeats against First Division Opponents. The latter saw Brian Pritchard resign and Anthony Griffith and Chris Rowley take over at the helm. The season also saw the complete replacement of the floodlighting system as the club continues to improve its facilities.
Lee White SPONSORED BY CHRIS WILKINSON ESTATES Sam Bolton Zach Dulson SPONSORED BY AUTO BASE Charlie Doyle SPONSORED BY IRLAM ESTATES Jordan Icely SPONSORED BY IRLAM CARPET WAREHOUSE Marcus Perry Callum Nicholas SPONSORED BY AWAY DAY CARE Danny Eyres SPONSORED BY IRLAM SOCIAL CLUB Karl Cassell SPONSORED BY TITAN SECURITY Ryan Ledson SPONSORED BY M44 GAS Connor Martin Jordan Southworth SPONSORED BY PIPELAGGING.COM George Farrelly SPONSORED BY MAGUIRES EXECUTIVE TRAVEL Dylan Meredith SPONSORED BY GUNN UTILITIES Liam Morrison SPONSORED BY CAROLINES CARPETS Michael Tetteh Andre Stewart Callum McCarty Danny Eyres
Hamilton Davies House 117c Liverpool Road, Cadishead, Manchester M44 5BG
Telephone: 0161 222 4003 Email: hello@hamiltondavies.org.uk www. hamiltondavies.org.uk
Carolines of Irlam Suppliers of quality carpets and flooring
One of the North Wests leading independent flooring companies.
Offering a vast range of flooring to suit any budget and expert fitting.
Ring our friendly office for more details Call now on 0161 775 1444
535d Liverpool Road, Irlam, Manchester, M44 6ZS
Date Opponents Result Att 1 2 3 4 5 Sat 03/08/19 Litherland REMYCA H D 2-2 97 White Stewart Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell1 Tue 06/08/19 Longridge Town H W 4-2 92 White Stewart Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell Sat 10/08/19 Ashton Athletic (FA Cup EP) H W 4-0 138 White Bolton Meredith Eyres Ledson1 Cassell1 Sat 17/08/19 Burscough A D 1-1 81 Russell Bolton Meredith Eyres Ledson Cassell Tue 20/08/19 1874 Northwich A W 4-2 271 White Stewart Meredith1 Doyle Ledson Cassell Sat 24/08/19 Stocksbridge Park Steels (FA Cup P) A W 3-2 150 White Dulson Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell Mon 26/08/19 Padiham A W 2-0 120 White Dulson Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell1 Sat 07/09/19 Charnock Richard (FA Cup 1Q) A W 4-0 209 White Dulson Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell1 Tue 10/09/19 Charnock Richard H L 2-4 114 White Dulson Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell Tue 17/09/19 Skelmersdale United H W 4-0 141 White Stewart Meredith Doyle Ledson1 Cassell Sat 21/09/19 York City (FA Cup 2Q) H L 0-2 798 White Stewart Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell Wed 25/09/19 Northwich Victoria A D 3-3 210 White Dulson Meredith1 Doyle Ledson1 Cassell Sat 05/10/19 Squires Gate A W 1-5 70 White Stewart Meredith1 Doyle1 Ledson Cassell Tue 08/10/19 Avro (MPC) H D 1-1 86 White Stewart Bolton Doyle Ledson Cassell1 Fri 18/10/19 Skelmersdale United (Macron Cup1) A W 1-3 97 White Stewart Meredith Doyle Ledson1 Cassell Tue 22/10/19 Barnoldswick Town H W 3-2 82 White Stewart Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell Mon 28/10/10 Whitchurch Alport A D 1-1 218 White Stewart Bolton Doyle Ledson Cassell Sat 02/11/19 Consett (FA Vase 2) A L 2-5 181 White Stewart Bolton Doyle Ledson1 Cassell Sat 16/11/19 Barnoldswick Town A W 3-0 196 White Stewart Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell Tue 19/11/19 1874 Northwich (Macron Cup2) A L 0-4 200 White Bolton Meredith Doyle Ledson Cassell Sat 23/11/19 Congleton Town H 15:00 Sat 30/11/19 Runcorn Town A 15:00 Tue 03/12/19 Rylands A 19:45 Sat 07/12/19 Winsford United H 15:00 Tue 10/12/19 Bootle H 19:45 Sat 14/12/19 Rylands H 15:00 Tue 17/12/19 Hanley Town A 19:45 Sat 21/12/19 Ashton Athletic A 15:00 Thu 26/12/19 Avro H 15:00 Sat 28/12/19 Winsford United A 15:00 Sat 04/01/20 Charnock Richard A 15:00 Sat 11/01/20 Ashton Athletic H 15:00 Tue 14/01/20 Maine Road (MPC QF) H 19:45 Tue 21/01/20 Runcorn Town H 19:45 Sat 25/01/20 Longridge Town A 15:00 Sat 01/02/20 Hanley Town H 15:00 Sat 08/02/20 Skelmersdale United A 15:00 Sat 15/02/20 Litherland REMYCA A 15:00 Sat 29/02/20 Northwich Victoria H 15:00 Sat 07/03/20 Bootle A 15:00 Sat 14/03/20 Whitchurch Alport H 15:00 Sat 21/03/20 Burscough H 15:00 Sat 04/04/20 Congleton Town A 15:00 Sat 11/04/20 1874 Northwich H 15:00 Mon 13/04/20 Avro A 15:00 Sat 18/04/20 Padiham H 15:00 Sat 25/04/20 Squires Gate H 15:00
88 Liverpool Road, Irlam, Manchester, M44 6FN
Delivery starts daily from 5pm till late within 2 mile radius, minimum order £9.00
Simply the best quality & value in the area. Operated by ORIGINAL and previous CADDY management & staff.
Ifirst started watching irlam in 2015 where I came to 2 or 3 games, for the simple reason I enjoyed watching football and it was something to do.
Then the next year I probably came to 5 or 6 games. What I found was the more I went the more interested I became in the football, who was playing their names, and who the people were that kept this club going, and how much work they all put in. As a couple of years went by I bought my first season ticket last year and went to most of the games at home when I could, then towards the back end of the season I ended up going to the away games too.
This brings me to this season where I’ve been to almost all the games home and away, what I’m finding is I much prefer to concept of non league football to other standards, especially this year. Last year for Irlam I thought that we were clearly good enough for the league, but we seemed to match the quality of whatever team we were playing, very strange, we’d really struggle for goals, and play terribly against the teams below us, whereas playing the teams top of the table, we’d show the quality we had.
This year is completely different, the squad we have you can see they understand how each other play, the manager and coaching staff have obviously been working on how we play football, as we make it look so easy sometimes, scoring numerous goals, and playing so well that most of the teams we have played so far when it comes to the 60th minute onwards you can see how tired they really are. If we can keep this up throughout the season there is no doubt in my mind that we could win something this year, and or also gain promotion.
Daniel Anderton
Saturday 2nd November 2019 FA Vase 2nd Round IRLAM FC 2 Consett AFC 5
Luke Carr’s first half hat-trick for the visitors put paid to any hopes of an FA Vase adventure this season for Irlam as Consett recorded a comprehensive FA Vase victory on the road, winning 5-2 at the Ambitek Stadium. Consett’s Ali Alshabeeb set the Steelmen – who were backed by a noisy contingent of 60-70 supporters – on the way with a goal in the 2nd minute. Jermaine Metz made good ground down the right flank before pulling the ball back for the No 11 to fire home, to the delight of the visiting fans congregated behind the goal, and the dismay of the home support.
Irlam’s first sight of goal came in the 14th minute, when Jordan Southworth had a long-range effort, but it was collected by Consett keeper Kyle Hayes. Seven minutes Irlam had another half-chance through Marcus Perry, but his snapshot was again a comfortable save for Hayes in the Consett goal
Irlam Striker Jordan Icely turned and fired wide, and Southworth shot over the bar at the end of a decent move Irlam enjoyed their best spell of the game, but two goals in three minutes either side of the half-hour mark put Consett firmly in the driving seat.
First, on 29 minutes, Irlam keeper Lee White misjudged a cross from the left, and the ball fell kindly for Ali Alshabeeb, who kept his composure before smashing the ball home for his second goal of the game.
Two minutes later Alshabeeb turned provider for Luke Carr, sending him clean through with a fine pass, and the No. 10 calmly slotted past the keeper for 3-0.
The Irlam defence were finding Alshabeeb hard to handle, and five minutes before the break he almost had his hat-trick. Calvin Smith’s pass found the lively No 11, and his curled effort just cleared the crossbar. Right on half-time Consett were awarded a penalty when the referee decided Dale Pearson had been tripped by left-back Sam Bolton as they contested a
loose ball. It was a soft one, Luke Carr stepping up to convert past White in the Irlam goal, which saw them go into the break 4-0 ahead.
At 4-0 up at half-time, Consett’s lead looked unassailable, but to Irlam’s credit they had a go in the second half. Five minutes in, centre-forward Connor Martin had a great chance to reduce the arrears after meeting a cross from the right, but fired over from a few yards out. A minute later the No 9 had another chance, this time from distance, which again cleared the bar.
Irlam got a goal back on 55 minutes when Consett failed to deal with Perry’s free-kick from the right, and centre-back Ryan Ledson finished from close range.
The goal acted as a wake-up call for Consett, and a good move involving Smith and Metz set up Dale Pearson, who had been well-marshalled by the home centre-backs. The in-form striker tried to place his shot, but White made a good save to keep the home side’s slim hopes of a comeback alive.
On 74 minutes Irlam had a good chance to reduce the arrears further, but Icely fired over the bar. A minute later Matty Slocombe went close to increasing Consett’s lead with a great strike from 25 yards which was heading for the top corner, but White pulled off a fine save,tipping the ball over the bar.
But was nothing the keeper could about the Steelmen’s fifth goal, which came in the 78th minute. A good flowing move ended with Pearson setting up Luke Carr, who placed the ball inside the far post to complete his hat-trick, and end any lingering thoughts of an Irlam comeback.
Five minutes before the end Consett should have made it six when Pearson’s pass played in substitute Andrei-Vasile Ardelean, but his shot was saved by the keeper.
The home side did score again, in the 87th minute, when George Farrelly volleyed in from fellow sub Mwiya Malumo’s cross, to make the final score 5-2
Sat 16th November 2019 North West Counties Premier Division Barnoldswick Town FC 0 IRLAM FC 3 A convincing display from the Irlam players as they bounced back the disappointment of the Vase exit the week before, running out comfortable winners against a side that could normally be called Irlam’s bogey side, Irlam never having recorded a league win at the silent night stadium before this fixture.
An early chance fell to Southworth, the Irlam wide man fashioning a chance that struck the side netting from a tight angle. Southworth would again figure early on as he whipped in a cross from the right, Irlam forward Jordan Icely arriving unmarked but the cross just too high to prevent a certain goal.
Minutes later the breakthrough came, again a whipped in cross from Southworth that this time would prove too much for the Barlick defence as Airie put into his own net to give Irlam an early lead.
Soon after Icely was denied a chance when the flag was raised for the tightest of offsides, whilst at the other end Irlam keeper White saved well with his feet to deny the Barlick no 9.
Connor Martin would also fall foul of the assistant’s flag, just offside with no sign of VAR. Last chance of the half fell to an impressive Southworth twisting and turning before firing over the bar as the HT whistle blew. Ten minutes into the second half and Irlam’s lead doubled, Southworth again in the action as he dispossessed the Barlick full back around the edge of the area before laying the ball into the path of the arriving Connor Martin, the Irlam forward striking hard and low across the keeper and in at the far post to make it 2-0
Minutes later Icely had a golden chance to make it 3-0, the Irlam striker with too many options to score, saw the chance disappear after a moment’s hesitation. On 77 minutes the win was confirmed, Martin controlling the ball well before feeding Perry in, the Irlam winger collecting down the right before firing home Irlam’s third, the 3-0 scoreline remaining intact on the final whistle.
Tuesday 19th November Macron Cup 2nd Round 1874 Northwich 4 IRLAM FC 0
A night that promised much more, but ultimately would see Irlam go out of the Macron Cup against a high performing 1874 Northwich, a reversal of fixture after two rain postponements at the Ambitek Stadium meaning a trip to the opposition ground.
The first chance fell to Meredith, a whipped in free kick from the Irlam full back was just wide, but on 8 minutes the game would turn against us, a challenge on the centre spot somehow saw the ball cannon goalwards as Irlam were pushing up, McGowan lightning quick for 1874 to run onto the ball and score past White without challenge to make it 1-0
20 minutes in and Perry was in behind his full back, the Irlam winger lifting his shot over the oncoming keeper, but could only watch as his shot went agonizingly wide .
On 30 minutes Irlam were 2-0 down, no complaints this time as 1874 forward Gardner unleashed a 25 yard strike past White and into the top corner. Sometimes they go in, sometimes they don’t!! As the half time break approached, Perry and Southworth would both fashion chances, but the home defence stayed strong as the 2-0 lead remained intact at the break.
The second period began with a crucial save by White, saving well from Gardner with his feet to deny a certain third goal. At the other end, Icely again had sight of goal, but the chances for Irlam were quickly snuffed out by the hard working home defence.
On 57 minutes matters took a turn for the worst as Irlam conceded a third, a quick one two splitting the Irlam defence before Cain fired home the third of the night for the home side.
With Irlam now effectively throwing caution to the wind, the fourth goal would come via a quick turnover in play, Cain turning provide as he whips the ball inside to find McGowan who fires home to end the contest and Irlam’s participation in the Macron Cup.
Sunday 20th October North West Youth Alliance Div One IRLAM FC 2 FC United 1
Irlam would have to come from behind to beat an in form FC United 2-1 at the Ambitek at the weekend, a win that fires the team into second spot, 5 points behind leaders Cammell Laird in a tightly packed chasing bunch.
An even affair in the first period saw FC break the deadlock just ahead of the break, a foul in the build up to the play ignored by the assistant as the visitors took full advantage to make it 1-0. The second period soon saw Irlam back on level terms, Dawson’s initial strike at goal parried back to him by the keeper, a quick thinking Dawson then squaring the ball to Cusak who swept home the equaliser.
On 70 minutes, Irlam would find the winner, Cusak given too much space around the FC area as Mateta found the Irlam striker, Cusak deadly from the edge of the box to fire home what would prove to be the winner, a big win for the team as they push to the top of the table.
Sunday 17th November MCFA County Cup IRLAM FC 10 Tiki Taki FC 1 An overwhelming victory over Bolton based Tiki Taki FC saw Irlam sweep into the next round of the County Cup.
Goals from Craven (4) Cusak (2)Mateta (1) C Morgan (1) F Morgan (1) and Dawson completed the roll call.
North West Youth Alliance Division One POS P W D L PTS 1 Cammell Laird FC 7 6 1 0 19 2 Springhead AFC 7 4 2 1 14 3 FC United of Manchester 8 4 2 2 14 4 Irlam FC 6 3 2 1 11 5 Nantwich Town FC 6 3 2 1 11 6 Witton Albion FC 7 3 1 3 10 7 Sandbach United FC 6 3 1 2 10 8 FC St Helens 5 2 0 3 6 9 Stockport Georgians AFC 5 1 2 2 5 10 St Helens Town AFC 4 1 1 2 4 11 Grappenhall Sports FC 4 1 1 2 4 12 Daten FC 6 0 2 4 1 * 13 Ashton Town AFC 9 0 1 8 1
IRLAM CARPET WAREHOUSE Boundary Trading Estate, Liverpool Rd, Irlam, Manchester M44 6FB Phone: 0161 775 8600
level of competition in their history in readiness for the 2008/2009 season. That inaugural season, under the guidance of manager Dave Mann was a tremendous success, finishing in 8th position on 52 points in our first campaign. The Clubs performances over following seasons fluctuated in the NWCFL as the Club adjusted to the higher level of competition. Previous managers Dave Mann, Ryan Gilligan and Nick Parker have all poured their effort and commitment into the Club, culminating in the appointment, Steve Nixon, a local manager with an impeccable coaching CV in readiness for season 2014/15 after taking over mid-way through the previous season.
With manager Steve Nixon at the helm for his 3rd campaign for the 2015/2016 season, the future began to look bright both on and off the pitch at Silver St. The opening of a brand new Clubhouse at the ground again pushed the Club to greater heights, creating a real non-league footballing set up at Silver St.
Season 2015/16 season proved to be a watershed moment for the Club. Since joining the league in 2008/2009 the focus has been on youth and development of the ground, and it was 2015/2016 season when all the efforts and sacrifices made came to fruition. Irlam manager Steve Nixon shaped a fantastic group of maturing young players as they put together a magnificent run of results to take second spot and gain automatic promotion to the Premier Division for the first time in their history.
Season 2016/207 proved to be the most successful in the Clubs long history, an eighth place finish in the Premier Division showed the growing strength of the Club, whilst a treble winning U21’s development side swept all before them in the Cheshire U21’s league. Point deductions for our U18’s were all that stood between them and a possible title win as they finished 4th, just six points adrift of Nelson FC.
For season 2017/2018 a restructuring of positions at the Club has seen new faces take control of on the field matters. 1st team manager Steve Nixon and asst Chris Boardman have moved out of the hot seats in order to take over the commercial side of the Club, with Steve Nixon taking over from Ron Parker as chairman of the Club. New manager Michael Dodd, and asst Matty Kay, both part of the 1st team backroom staff last season was chosen to take control for the new campaign. They have assembled a strong backroom staff around them and we wish them well for future campaigns.
Season 2017/18 saw the team enter what is usually called the “tough second season” in the Premier Division. A tough campaign, added to for all
Club with the pressure of 4 relegation spots due to the 20 club restructure for 2018/19 season, IRLAM performed well, and despite indifferent home form, away form proved to be the catalyst for improvement. An indifferent start to the campaign, mainly driven by injuries to key players saw the team in the bottom half of the table for the first period, but the quality of the squad wasn’t in doubt when available, and notable back to back wins against West Didsbury, and a draw and a win against Linnetts showed the quality of the side. A decent run in the Macron Cup, losing in the Semi Final to Burscough, kept the players focussed as they moved up the divison, and a an eventual 13th place finish in the table gave Irlam a feeling of having established themselves in the top tier. 2018/2019 season Arguably the most successful season the Club has embarked upon since its entry into the national league system in 2008/2009. Although league position remarkably remained the same as season 2017/2018 (13th), it was in the national competitions where the young Irlam squad gave a glimpse of things to come in the future. An unprecedented FA Cup run, surpassed only by an even greater campaign in the FA Vase, saw the side mentioned in dispatches up and down the country. A three match winning streak in the FA Cup, including a 2-1 victory away at Prescot Cables set the side up for an away trip to Gateshead Club Dunston UTS, a match that saw Irlam’s campaign end with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of the North East side. Who would go on to a famous victory over Chester FC in the next round.
The FA Vase would capture the imagination of all at the Club as the team confidently pushed into the fifth round of the FA Vase, a five match winning run, beating Clubs from up and down the region as they overcame Burscough, Yorkshire sides Handsworth and Hemsworth, Hull based Winterton and Midlands based Cadbury’s Athletic.
The fifth round however would prove to be a bridge too far for IRLAM. Welcoming Surrey based Chertsey Town FC to the Ambitek Stadium, a rearranged fixture after snow put paid to the original date, the Southern based side just had the edge on the day, a 2-0 victory moving the Curfews in to the quarter finals and ultimately into the Final itself where they eventually lifted the Famous Trophy at Wembley Stadium.
An excellent season, built on solid foundations gives the Club renewed confidence going into the new season, and with manager Michael Dodd retained with his backroom staff, the omens are good for 2019/2020.
Ambitek is a leading provider of technical recruitment services providing permanent and contract soluti ons to a number of high profi le clients. We specialise within Foundry, Assembly & Maintenance, Machining, Quality & Inspecti on, Welding & Fabricati on, Skilled Trades, Design & Drawing Offi ce, Controls & Instrumentati on, Engineering Professionals, Producti on & Logisti cs and Rail. Our team consists of many highly experienced consultants with years of knowledge within their dedicated sectors.
Sun Nov 3rd NWU21s Prem Div Barnton 1 IRLAM FC 5 A comprehensive defeat of Barnton 21’s saw the team really start to gel and progress up the division, a talented bunch of players, many new to the Club this season. Goals from Meredith, Cooper, Mayuba and a brace from Malumo would give Irlam a comfortable win on the road.
Sun Nov 10th NWU21s Prem Division City of Liverpool 1 IRLAM FC 3 Another excellent performance from the young players would again see them win on the road, a convincing victory, goals courtesy of Malumo, Silcott and Mann saw the team return home with the three points.
Sun Nov 17th NWU21s Premier Division Knowsley South 1 IRLAM FC 3 Irlam, continued to rack up the wins, this fixture their fourth consecutive away fixture on the bounce would not deter them as they ran out convincing winner to move them to second spot in the Division. A goal from Josh Main Quinn and a brace from Mwyia Malumo was enough to see off the Knowsley challenge.
North West Under 21 Development League Premier Division
POS TEAM PLD W D L GF GA GD PTS 1 Tranmere Rovers 12 9 1 2 30 13 17 28 2 Irlam 11 8 0 3 35 23 12 24 3 Stockport Town 11 8 0 3 29 22 7 24 4 City of Liverpool 10 6 1 3 25 23 2 19 5 Winstanley Warriors 6 6 0 0 23 11 12 18 6 Barnton 13 5 2 6 23 23 0 17 7 Stalybridge Celtic 12 4 1 7 32 32 0 13 8 Knowsley South 8 4 1 3 13 17 -4 13 9 Witton Albion 12 4 1 7 22 29 -7 13 10 1874 Northwich 7 2 1 4 12 16 -4 7 11 Macclesfield Town 11 1 3 7 15 25 -10 6 12 St Helens Town 9 0 4 5 12 18 -6 4 13 St Michael’s DH 8 0 1 7 8 27 -19 1
WARRINGTON’S PREMIER AIRPORT TRANSFER SPECIALISTS
We are based in Cadishead, Manchester and we are very proud of the vehicles we sell. Our vehicles are all inspected to a high standard and we take pride in all we do. We are a small business who understands the needs not only of our customers, but our vehicles.
WOODSON CARS LTD 78-80 Liverpool Road Cadishead Manchester Greater Manchester M44 5AF
Telephone: 0161 850 9848 Mobile: 07508 839739 Email: info@woodsoncars.co.uk
www. woodsoncars.co.uk
1: Nicola Adams retired from boxing recently due to concerns over her eyesight. Which of these statements about Adams is not true? q She worked as a builder before boxing q She has worked as an extra on EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street q She was the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal q She lost her last fight 2: England were fined around £2,000 for responding to the haka with a “flying V” before their Rugby World Cup semi-final against New Zealand last month. However, the England players said that their V formation did not exactly go to plan. What happened? q They had planned to sing Swing Low Sweet Chariot but chickened out q They planned to bow to the New Zealand players but hadn’t agreed when to start the bow so ended up just standing there q They were meant to form a semi-circle but players stood in the wrong positions q They were going to hold hands but decided against it at the last minute 3: Chelsea fought back from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 with Ajax in their Champions’ league group game recently. Who were the last English team to get a result in a Champions League game after being three goals down? q Leeds United q Newcastle United q Blackburn Rovers q Liverpool 4: Manchester City recently visited Anfield in their Premier League fixture against Liverpool. Who are the last team to have beaten Liverpool in the league at Anfield? Clue: they are also the last team to have beaten City at the Etihad, Arsenal at the Emirates and Manchester United at Old Trafford in the league. q Tottenham Hotspur q Crystal Palace q Leicester City q Newcastle United 5: Fikayo Tomori was in the England squad for their recent Euro 2020 qualifiers against Montenegro and Kosovo. Which team did Tomori represent at Under-20s level? q Belgium q Norway q Portugal q Canada 6: Why have Hemel Hempstead Town postponed their National League games against Weymouth and Chippenham Town later this month? q The weather forecast is bad and their groundsman is on his honeymoon q The ground is being used to host a Christmas market q Three of their players are on international duty q The team are off to watch England’s games at Wembley as part of their Christmas party 7: Dylan Hartley has announced his retirement from rugby. Who is the only player to have won more England caps than Hartley? q Jonny Wilkinson q Jason Leonard q Martin Johnson q Dan Cole 8: Lewis Hamilton won his sixth Formula 1 world championship in Mexico recently. How many times did Michael Schumacher win the title? q Five q Six q Seven q Eight 9: Wolves winger Adama Traoré has been approached to play for the Mali national team even though he was born in Barcelona. Why would Traoré feel in good company in the Mali team? q His dad is the manager q He has already played four friendlies for Mali (and two for Spain) q There are already two players called Adama Traoré in the Mali team q Six other Wolves players are in the Mali team 10: Canelo Álvarez knocked out Sergey Kovalev to become a four-weight world champion. Which boxer has won world titles in eight different weight divisions? q Floyd Mayweather q Manny Pacquiao q Nonito Donaire q Naoya Inoue
Answers:
1: She lost here last fight (she retired undefeated), 2: They were meant to form a semi-circle, but the players stood in the wrong positions, 3: Liverpool, in the final in Istanbul 2005, 4: Crystal palace, 5: Canada, 6: Three of their players are international duty, playing for Montserrat, and two with Grenada, 7: Jason Leonard (114) Hartley has 97, 8: Seven, 9: There are already two players in the squad called Adam Traore!, 10: Manny Pacquiao
DRAINAGE CONTRAC T ORS • Sewer Cleaning & CCTV Surveys • Ground W orks & Civil Engineering • Sewer Connections & Pre Adoption Surveys • CIP P Sewer Rehabilitation Installation T el: 0161 776 0011 Email: generalutilities@btconnect.com ww w .generalutilitiesnorthwest.co.uk Un i t 1 B ounda r y T r a ding Pa rk , Li ve r p o o l Road , Ir l a m , M a nc he st er M 4 4 6F B
