2015-16 SEASON
Official Programme
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NWCFL Premier Division
Atherton Collieries Saturday 8th August 2015 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC 3.00pm
WELCOME to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FE CLUB CONTACTS
FOOTBALL CONTACTS
Club President Brian Cripps
Director of Football: Andy Nelson
Chairman Glyn Meacher
First Team Manager: Steve Settle Head Coach: Steve Brockley Assistant: Steve Eckersley (admin) Assistant: Rob Madden Goalkeeping: Dale Newbrook Match Secretary: Rob McKay
Club Secretary Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441 Membership Secretary Monica Creer Treasurer Dave Cooper Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley Community Development Davy Iredale
Reserve Team Manager: Jim Hines Asst Manager: Ian Depeiaza Physio Paddy Murphy Magdalena Maria ‘A’ Team Manager Danny Iredale
Publicity Team Rob McKay 07706 320397 John Churchman 07720 508082
Youth Team Manager Ian Depeiaza
Programme contributors: John Churchman; Rob McKay, Rob Turley and Jonny Keen Match Photographer: Graham Curry Cover picture & Holyhead Hotspur pictures courtesy of James Lobley Ownership: In accordance with THE Football Association Rule 2.13 Publication of ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 clubs in the Football Pyramid we hereby confirm that the legal status of WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB is as not for profit private members club. Any gain arising from the carrying on of the Club shall be applied for the benefit of the Club or for some charitable or benevolent purpose or purposes approved by resolution at a general meeting of the Club. To contact the club please use the club website: www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk Main Club Sponsor:
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EDITORIAL
Atherton Collieries
Today we welcome last season’s Division One Champions and MEN Cup finalists Atherton Collieries for our first league game of the new campaign. ‘Colls’ were terrific last season winning Division One by 7 points, gaining 96 points out of a possible 118, winning 31 of their 36 league games and losing only 2. They also went all the way to the MEN Challenge Cup Final losing narrowly to Glossop North End who at that time were beating just about everyone else. Colls League record of goals for and against was equally impressive with an incredible 129 goals scored and only 26 conceded . Needless to say they arrive in the Premier Division as worthy champions and full of confidence and we will need to be at our best to get off to a good start ourselves and get some early points in the bag. Last time the two clubs met was in our own promotion season three years ago when WEST ran out comfortable winners 4-1 in March 2013 thanks to a Lee Malkin hat trick and another from Dave Kilbride, and the away game at Atherton 2-0 towards the end of the season on 22nd April 2013 saw WEST edge out Colls 2-0 thanks to an own goal just before half time and a Gareth Thomas special at the start of the second half. All that counts for nothing and both teams will be looking to get off to a flying start today. . THE LONGEST TRIP In the programme notes when we last played Colls in March 2013, I mentioned the longest days of our old first division travels to Barrow and a very long Monday night when we won at Formby. Last Saturday the pre-season trip to Anglesey set a new record for distance travelled with a 240 mile round trip to Holyhead Hotspur who finished 5th in the Level 2 Cymru Welsh Alliance League last season. We had a decent first half and went in leading 1-0 at half time and looking comfortable. However, the home side were back on level terms after an hour when a through ball found the Holyhead forward well clear of our defence and miles offside. Unfortunately the referee decided to allow the ‘goal’ as there were no recognised assistant referees and soon after the home side went ahead when we failed to deal with a corner kick. Some hard lessons to learn from this one but a commendable performance against a team boasting 8 contract players determined not to lose their unbeaten pre-season record. UPCOMING AUGUST FIXTURES After today there’s just enough time to get the kit washed before we travel down to Alsager Town next Tuesday evening for a 7.45pm kick off. This has never been a happy hunting ground for us having lost there twice in the past two seasons in the Premier Division. Next Friday 14th we play away against 1874 Northwich in the FA Cup with another 7.45pm kick off. The game is at Winsford United’s Barton Stadium and will be something of a novelty as it’s the first time we’ve played on a Friday evening and the game has been brought forward to then because Winsford United play their own home FA Cup tie on Saturday 15th at 3pm, when we’ll all be having a well earned rest. If our game against 1874 is drawn the replay will be here at The Recreation Ground on Tuesday 18th August with a 7.45pm kick off. If not, then we will be at home to AFC Liverpool on Tuesday 18th August , assuming they are not involved in any FA Cup replay, and then on Saturday 22nd August we are home to Barnoldswick Town at 3pm. The following week we have away trips to Nelson on the evening of Tuesday 25th and to Runcorn Town on Saturday 29th August to round off seven fixtures in league and FA Cup in the space of 22 days. September is just as hectic with 8 games in 26 days including an FA Vase game against Barton Town Old Boys from Humberside on Sat 5th September. In the meantime ENJOY THE GAME today, have a safe journey home and please take care and drive slowly on leaving the ground and on Brookburn and neighbouring roads.
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Steve Settle’s Notes Good afternoon and welcome to Brookburn Road for the first competitive fixture of the 2015/16 season and the league have handed us a tough one first up. Today we welcome Atherton Collieries, last season’s division one champions to Chorlton and we hope that their officials, players and fans enjoy our hospitality and, after today of course, we wish them well for the rest of the season. Colls had an exceptional season last year and full credit must go to Cleggy and his backroom team for putting together an excellent attacking team, we will certainly have to be at our best today if we are to get the result we want. In Cleggy’s backroom is my old mate Andy Heald. Andy and I played together at Leigh RMI and then again at the rebranded Leigh Genesis. Like myself I think Andy may concede that his best playing days are behind him now but it is no surprise that he is proving an asset to Colls. He is a football man and his philosophies are, akin to our own, centred on the development of players. It’s especially nice to be able to welcome him to Brookburn Road this afternoon as I take charge of my first competitive game. The lads, management team and I have been desperate for this day to get here. Pre-season is excellent for getting the players fit and trying new things but there really is nothing quite like the first game of the new season. This season for our group is all about progress. We stagnated last year and this season is the time for us to be focusing on the top end of the table rather than the bottom end. The players are aware that our expectations of them have become greater both on the pitch and on the training ground and with the exception of one or two it’s last season’s
players that have the first opportunity to make the shirt their own. Last season inconsistency cost us a much higher finish. We showed, at times, that when we are firing on all cylinders we are a match for anyone in the league and if we can get greater consistency in our performances, it will represent progress. In addition to this we want to score more goals this season. Mark Battersby, of today’s opponents, scored 60 goals last year in all competitions, 3 more league goals than our entire team scored in 40 league games (luckily, I hear he’s suspended for today’s game!). Lastly, it is appropriate for me to thank the Andy and the club for giving me this opportunity and I’m very much looking forward to the trials and tribulations of the next 9 months! Enjoy the game and thanks for the support!
Setts
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West 2 Bromsgrove Sporting 1‌match report West welcomed Midland League side Bromsgrove Sporting to Brookburn Road on a Sunny afternoon in Chorlton. Manager Steve Settle, looking to his first game in a fortnights time, tried to name his strongest side but was hit by injury to Richmond Botchey in the warm up with Rick Gleave replacing him in the starting line-up. On three minutes West created the game’s first chance as captain Mark Rogers was allowed to advance with the ball through midfield and unleashed a shot which thudded off the crossbar. Two minutes later young Ben Steer rose highest to a Lewis Schofield cross and cannoned his header off the inside of the Bromsgrove post. The game continued at a terrific pace and the visitors should have taken the lead on 16 minutes when a long ball over the top reached the Sporting winger, he raced to the by-line and pulled back a low cross to the Sporting striker who from a yard out, with the goal at his mercy, struck the cross bar. The tempo failed to relent and on 22 minutes a Tommy Walsh header flicked on a long ball through to Steer, the striker fired first time from 25 yards, a low bouncing effort, forcing the Sporting goalkeeper into a difficult save. West were forced into an early change as Michael Simcock was forced off with a groin injury and Head Coach Steve Brockley took his place at left back. Bromsgrove went close again on 26 minutes when West goalkeeper Saul dropped a cross, it fell straight to a Sporting forward and only a brilliant block from Anthony Potts on the line prevented the visitors from taking the lead. Chances continued to be created at either end with Schofield firing a low shot wide after cutting in from the left and rolling a shot low past the post. Bromsgrove then had a great chance to take the lead as a ball over the top found the Bromsgrove stirker who brought it down with a brilliant first touch and fired his shot just wide.
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Despite the both sides creating numerous chances neither goalkeeper was tested and the sides went into the half level. West kicked off the second unchanged but they took the lead just a minute after the restart as a cross from the right by Jordan Poole found Mark Rogers in the middle whose header looped over the Sporting goalkeeper and into the roof of the net. West rang the changes with Sam Mitten and Jamie Waldon replacing Walsh and Steer. Waldon had an instant impact as he raced through the middle but fired his low shot just wide. West continued to make changes with Newbrook replacing Saul in goal and Settle replacing Schofield with Sporting also making changes with the tempo finally relenting ever so slightly. West finally doubled their lead 11 minutes from time when Scott Mason curled a free kick from 30 yards, the Sporting goalkeeper tipped it onto the bar but Sam Mitten was ready to pounce and tapped in the rebound. However their two goal advantage lasted just five minutes as Sporting fired themselves back into the game when a cross curled into the far post was headed back across goal and the Bromsgrove striker fired home from 2 yards. From the re-start Sam Mitten could have wrapped the game up as he latched onto an under hit back pass, raced into the penalty area, tried to sell the goalkeeper but could only tamely fire it into the goalkeepers shins for a corner. From the corner Mitten was denied again as it was played short to Brockley, he raced to the by-line and chipped the ball across to Mitten whose first time flick was brilliantly cleared off the line by a superb Bromsgrove header. There was still time for one last Bromsgrove attack but West claimed the win in a thrilling game of football where both sides tried to play in the right spirit in which the game was arranged.
West v Bromsgrove Sporting… match action
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History of Atherton Collieries Atherton Collieries Football Club was established in 1916 by miners from the six pits which were then operative within the old urban district of Atherton. The football club became the latest part of an ever growing sports group that was organised by the Atherton Collieries Joint Association. Between 1919 and 1965 the club were winners of the Bolton Combination League ten times. Collieries established a noted reputation in Lancashire and by 1964-65 had won the Lancashire Junior Shield six times, a record which is still unsurpassed. They joined the North West Counties League as founder members in 1982, winning the third division in 1986-87. Steady progress off the pitch, with floodlights being erected in 1994, was matched by progress on the pitch as Colls final league position improved season on season. This culminated in promotion to the first division after finishing the 1995-96 season as runners-up to Vauxhall GM. Colls suffered mixed fortunes during their tenure in the NWCFL Premier Division. Their best season came in 2006-07 when they finished in seventh place under Phil Brown. This remains the highest position the club have ever finished in the English Pyramid. During 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons Anthony Pilkington made 35 appearances for the club scoring 19 goals. Three of these goals came in the away match at FC United which Collieries infamously won 3-0. This caught the attention of many local clubs and it was Stockport County who secured his services. The striker has since played for Huddersfield Town, Norwich City and the Republic of Ireland. The club were relegated from the Premier Division at the end of the 2008/09 campaign and Steve Pilling was appointed manager in August 2009. In 2010/11 the club won their first NWCFL silverware for decades when AFC Liverpool were beaten 3-2 (aet) in the First Division Trophy Final at Valley Road, Flixton. Season 2011/12 saw the club finish fourth in the First Division but another trophy was added to the honours board. The Bolton Hospital Cup was won for the first time in 25 years with a penalty shootout triumph over Eagley. The Reebok final had ended 2-2 with Gary Burnett scoring both Collieries goals as he put in a man of the match performance. Seasons 2012/13 and 2013/14 saw the team lead the NWCFL First Division in the early stages but fall away towards the end. Steve Pilling was a committed servant to the club and in his five seasons at the club the team finished in 6th, 5th, 4th, 4th and 5th position respectively.
Michael Clegg took over the managerial reins at the commencement of the 2014/15 campaign. He had previously enjoyed stints at near neighbours Pennington and Atherton LR. With the help of strong backroom support and local players he stated that he wanted to gain promotion with a side that would consist of Atherton based players. An opening day win at Cammell Laird, who went on to finish runners up, set high standards for the rest of the campaign. What followed was to be the club’s best season in their history. Promotion back to the NWCFL Premier Division was clinched with a memorable 3-0 victory at Atherton LR on Easter Monday. Five matches after this, Collieries travelled to Cheadle Town for a midweek match knowing that a win would see them mathematically win the league. The score was 1-1 going into the final few minutes when Luke Gibson scored to send a large away following into raptures. In the national cup competitions, Collieries were drawn against Evo-Stik Division One North side Radcliffe Borough for the second consecutive season. The sides drew 2-2 at Stainton Park to set up a replay at Alder House, which Collieries lost on penalties after extra time. The FA Vase saw Michael Clegg’s side comfortably beat Penistone Church 4-0, before knocking Premier Division side AFC Liverpool out of the competition with a 4-1 victory. A tough test arrived in the following round in the shape of Seaham Red Star and Colls lost 2-1. A proud moment for the club came when they reached the Lancashire Trophy Semi-Final which was staged at Leyland. Ashton Athletic, Radcliffe Borough and Ramsbottom United were all dispatched as Colls set up a tie with Clitheroe. Despite their best efforts, Colls couldn’t overcome a strong and experienced opposition and lost 2-0. The First Division Trophy saw Collieries beat Atherton LR in the First Round with a hard fought victory in testing conditions. Barnton and Litherland REMYCA were also seen off which took Clegg’s side into the final against AFC Darwen at Bootle. The Salmoners won 3-1 to break Colls hearts. A further final followed the next week. This time it was the Men United Cup. Having beaten Cheadle Town, Ashton Athletic, Abbey Hey, Colne and Runcorn Town the Colls came up against Premier Division champions and FA Vase finalists Glossop North End. Brad Cooke and Mark Battersby were sent off in the final and Collieries ultimately lost 2-0. A congested season, which saw Collieries play 15 matches in a month, ended on a high with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Turton in the Bolton Hospital Cup Final at The Macron.
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Looking back two years with Emil‌ When were the opening day NWCFL fixtures going to be released? It seemed like never! I realised my favourite Crewe Alexandra fan in the whole wide world John Reid the Fixture Secretary would also be chomping at the bit to get out the fixtures but us in the know accept there is a pecking order. The Conference release theirs first then the Evostik and finally it's our league's turn to sound the bugle. Who did I want? Not telling you but I will say I thought we might get our first NWCFL Premier Division outing since 2009 at the Stadio Alder House. As usual I was wrong. West Didsbury & Chorlton on their patch is our initial assignment. I was instantly had flashbacks which weren't pleasant. No disrespect to our hosts! I have networked with my fair share from the club. I shared many a conversation and the odd cider with Rob McKay their enthusiastic committee man. Everytime I speak to him he has taken on another role at the club, I am sure he is on verge of a full house. I also know dad and lad duo Paul & Steve Settle most notably from Bolton's European adventures of yesteryear. I think 'West' are a go ahead friendly club who are a credit to our league but my pain is that they pipped us to promotion a couple of seasons ago. They came into the NWCFL for the commencement of the 2012/13 campaign and from my recollection they took a bit of time to acclimatise to the new level. I would think that they expected this and a final midtable position would have been construed as a decent start. However in 2013 they hit the purplest of purple patches and they rose up the division with a vengance. They beat us 4-1 at Brookburn Road in early March and in all honesty it could have been more. We did not show up and our manager Steve Pilling was rightfully livid. He told our lads a few home truths and it did the trick as we took 19 points out of the next 21 played for. On a personal level I didn't enjoy our performance in Chorlton but I was also coming down with a severe strain of man flu which lasted a fortnight actually. I knew I was ailing when the Krombacher was going down like treacle. So both teams were on fire and chasing the bronze medal position as Formby and Abbey Hey were already in another strasphere. West won their first NWCFL pot when they beat Abbey Hey in the First Division Trophy. Their season was getting better and better especially as they had been knocked out of the competition by Ashton Town at the quarter final stage. Town then defeated Daisy Hill in the semi's before being found to have played an ineligible player. West and Daisy then played a type of repochage event to face Abbey and the rest is history.
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Then another bombshell. Formby the champions elect had been turned down for promotion and the eventual 3rd team were being lined up to take their place. It was down to either West, Ashton Town or us. We were in the box-seat with two games left which incidentally were against out two competitors. We avoid defeat to West and we were basically up. As stated previously we had took 19 points from 21 leading up to the game played out on Monday 22 April and both teams knew what was at stake. The opening forty minutes was a total stalemate with neither team intent on going into the interval still in the game. Then things changed suddenly much to the joy of our visitors. A seemingly tame Gareth Thomas free-kick from the edge of the area got deflected and somehow ended up in the far corner of the net. Advantage West. This advantage was doubled almost immediately after the restart when Mr Thomas hit another free-kick into the onion bag. This time had the circs been different I would probably have clapped the effort. To cut a lomg story short we then went into our shell and the 2-0 lead was never tested. Both dressing knew the magnitude of the scoreline. Utter delirium in one, utter despair in the other. Five days later it was the final day. We hosted Ashton Town who were now out of it while West entertained Irlam. A West win saw them promoted but if they realised anything less and we won we would hit the 3rd place Jackpot. We started the game with intent and were soon two goals to the good. Irlam were playing their part and led. The majority of the crowd and the home management spent most of the game checking twitter for information on the other game. When our final whistle was blown with us 3-1 to the good we were 'up' as it was 2-2 in the other game. Then came our Alex Ferguson moment at Sunderland a few years since. It popped up on twitter that West had beaten Irlam 3-2. Promotion for the newboys. Despair for us again but not the utter despair like the previous game because that was when the 'holy grail' was in our hands. West Didsbury & Chorlton FC had entered the NWCFL with a watching brief and had ended up with a remarkable promotion and cup double. They must have thought it was easy this NWCFL lark. Fair credit! Two seasons later we eventually regained our place with the big boys. West are now an established top flight outfit. What will the next nine months bring for both teams? Has missing out on the promotion in 2012/13 helped us long term? Emil Anderson – Secretary Atherton Collieries
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First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers
Next games… FA Cup - 1874 Northwich v WEST - Friday 14th August, 7:45pm NWCFL - WEST v AFC Liverpool - Tuesday 18th August, 7:45pm WEST v Barnoldswick Town - Saturday 22nd August, 3 pm MEN United Cup Draw West have been handed a home tie in the second round of the MEN United Cup draw and will face the winners of Eccleshall or Chadderton. No date has been confirmed yet for the ties. www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers
New players on the block… West's new management team of Steve Settle and Steve Brockley made a number of additions to the squad over the close season, who supporters are sure to see in action during the next few weeks...these include; Ben Steer: a hard working 19 year old forward who also possesses a turn of pace. Formerly with Stalybridge Celtic and Salford City. Ben has scored several goals during West's pre season friendlies. Jamie Wolden: a 24 year old winger/forward. A tricky flair player who loves to run with the ball, his former clubs include Bury, Knutsford, Rossendale, Leigh Genesis and Bacup Borough. Sam Dee: a midfielder, returns to the club after a spell at Bacup Borough last season.
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CLUB MERCHANDISE…NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!!! Support your local club and show your support with our latest official club merchandise! New for this season at £6 (£5 for club members and supporters’ club members) we have beanie hats and a club crest scarf. There are now more ways than ever to buy club merchandise as in addition to being able to purchase on match days our new online club shop is open. Simply log on to www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk today to purchase what you want and have it delivered straight to your front door! Wrist bands £1, Mugs at £5, Key rings at £1, Club badges at £3 Club Ties at £12.50 Programme Back Issues
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Ground Safety In the interest of spectator comfort and safety, the following conditions apply at the clubs Brookburn Road ground and must be observed at all times.
In case of fire or other emergency that requires the clubhouse or ground to be evacuated instructions will be given over the public address system, and we ask that you comply with those instructions immediately. The chanting of racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden. Glasses, bottles, gas canisters, knives, darts, tools, flag poles or any other articles likely to cause injury are not permitted into the ground. Alcohol may be purchased and consumed in the bar area only. Children are not allowed in the Club House unless accompanied by an adult. Encroachment onto the playing area is forbidden at all times. Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas. All forms of transport on the clubs car park is at the owners’ risk.
The club reserves the right to remove any person from the ground who is in breach of these rules or whose presence is a source of danger or annoyance to others. We hope you understand the reasons for the above are in order for the game to be enjoyed in safe and pleasant conditions. Thank you, West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC Committee
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2015-16 FA Cup, Vase and Youth Cup draws
The Road to Wembley begins for another year at WEST with the draws for the first qualifying rounds of both the FA Cup and the FA Vase. In addition West’s Youth Team travel away in FA Youth Cup. FA Cup: 1874 Northwich v WEST Friday 14th August, 7:45pm KO The FA Cup Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round draw has pitted West against fellow NWCFL opposition as they travel away to 1874 Northwich. The round is to scheduled to be played on Saturday 15th August but with Winsford United, 1874’s landlords, also having been drawn at home the match is to be rearranged and likely to take place on the evening of Friday 14th August at 7.45pm. Winsford United have agreed to the switch subject to final confirmation. In addition to £1,500 prize money the winners of the tie will earn themselves a home tie in the Preliminary Qualifying Round where they will welcome the winners of Ashton Athletic or Maltby Main. Being members of the NWCFL Ashton Athletic will be no strangers to Brookburn Road whilst Maltby Main play in the Northern Counties League East Premier Division. That tie will take place on Saturday 29th August.
FA Vase: WEST v Barton Town Old Boys on Saturday 5th September In the FA Vase West have been drawn at home to Barton Town Old Boys in the First Qualifying Round. Our visitors are from Barton on Humber and play in the Northern Counties East Premier Division, the equivalent Step 5 Division on the other side of the Pennines. The tie will take place on Saturday 5th September and the winners will earn £600 in prize money. The winners will have a home tie on Saturday 3rd October against Central Midlands League side Dinnington Town. The winners will earn £800 in prize money and a place in the first round proper of the FA Vase.
FA Youth Cup: Lancaster City v WEST u-18s In the FA Youth Cup WEST under 18s travel away to Lancaster City, during the week commencing Monday 7th September, but with the incentive of a home tie to follow. Should they earn a victory they will face a rematch of their first ever FA Youth Cup tie last year, with a home game here against Wrexham. NWYAL: The YOUTH TEAM also face some tough challenges in the Premier Division of the Youth Alliance League this season when their opponents will include: AFC FYLDE, ALTRINCHAM, ASHTON ATHLETIC, CHESTER, CURZON ASHTON, HYDE, MORECAMBE, PRESCOT CABLES, SALFORD CITY, SKELMERSDALE, and WARRINGTON TOWN.
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Litherland REMYCA 1 West 1 ‌ match report West were back in action for their second game in 24 hours as they travelled to Merseyside to take on Litherland REMYCA in the first ever meeting between the two sides. The kit getting stuck in traffic delayed the kick off by 15 minutes. Manager Steve Settle named just one player in the squad who'd played the previous night as Sam Mitten pulled double duty. In defence Dale Newbroook came into the starting line up in place of the injured Paul Hughes with the manager opting to play his first choice defensive pairing of Mark Rogers and Anthony Potts. Josh Livesey was handed his first start at right back with Richmond Botchey completing the back four. The midfield three had a new look to it as Jordan Poole partnered Markell Bennett in the middle with Matt Eckersley called into defensive duties in front of the back four. Jamie Waldon was handed his full debut as Mitten partners Jonny Poizer up front. For the second night in a row West started brightly and created chances in the opening minutes as Waldon burst down the right hand side, his low cross along the six yard box evaded everyone but Poole at the far post but stretching couldn't force it home deflecting it wide. There was controversy early on as Waldon was hauled down inside the penalty area but the referee deemed it outside the area nearly six feet away from where the foul occurred. From the set piece Livesey curled a short set piece over from the edge of the area. Remyca responded with a chance of their own as the Litherland centre forward found some space at the edge of the penalty area but the strikers finish cleared the shot put netting behind the goal. West continued to press for an advantage with Mitten going close with a great effort as he raced onto a long ball over the top, breaking the offside trap but turning away from goal tried to curl his effort into the top corner with his shot flying just over. The best chance of the half fell to Poizer as he received a quick throw in inside the Remyca penalty area facing away from goal; however the young forward turn instantly and cannoned his
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shot off the inside of the near post allowing Litherland to survive to the break with the game scoreless. In the second half West introduced Ollie Wright into the starting line up, with the 16 year old making his first debut in goal in place of Dale Newbrook. West made several changes in the second half as did the home side who had also had a fixture the night before. As the half wore on Litherland grew further into the game creating several chances without forcing Wright into action whilst West continued to threaten themselves but either the final ball or finish let them down. The deadlock was broken on 80 minutes as West surrendered possession inside the Remyca penalty area, the home side immediately broke down the middle of the field where the ball found James Colburn, taking a touch to evade his man the forward curled a superb effort inside the far right hand post from 30 yards. The lead last just five minutes as West attacked down the right, substitute Steve Settle played the ball down the right to Brocklehurst who played in the return ball, Settle threaded his pass through to Ben Steer inside the area and finished first time low beating the goalkeeper at the near post. There was still time for West to win as they piled on the pressure in search of a winner with a terrific block deflecting a certain goal before Poole headed wide a superb cross with almost the last kick of the game. However both sides would have to settle for a draw which was just about a fair result as the home side more than matched a tiring West side in the second half.
Knutsford 4 West 4 … match report West concluded the domestic aspect of their preseason schedule with an exciting 4-4 draw at last season’s Cheshire League runners up Knutsford. West Manager Steve Settle’s hope of naming a full strength side were dashed when four of his first choice back five were ruled out through injury with Anthony Potts the only first choice defender in which he was able to select. Settle was, however, able to hand a debut to 17 year old Conal Gallagher in a youthful West midfield. West almost scored from the kick off, with Knutsford kicking off, West closed them down, won the ball, found Jamie Waldon on the right whose cross reached Poizer at the far post but outstretched couldn’t divert past the keeper into the net. At the other Knutsford had a great chance as they broke the offside trap, the centre forward rounded the goalkeeper but with the goal at his mercy, albeit a defender on the line, blazed his shot well over the bar. The game played on a perfect surface flowed from end to end with the midfield of Jordan Poole, Waldon and the impressive Gallagher looked a threat in the final third. Gallagher was a constant threat in the final third and won a free kick at the edge of the area when he was hacked to the floor. Waldon’s free kick hit the wall but deflected to Poole whose shot was fired down the throat of the goalkeeper. West fell behind on 13 minutes as they failed to clear a Knutsford corner, it flew up into the air inside the six yard box and the Knutsford centre forward was able to out jump two defenders and the goalkeeper and head it home. A calamity. Wes responded and won another free kick on the touchline just outside the penalty area after another hack, this time on Waldon. Jonny Poizer took the free kick low across the penalty area but it was cleared. There was another chance for West as they passed their way through the middle with Gallagher playing it out wide to Scott Jones; his cross back to into the middle found Gallagher but he could only direct his header wide. West continued to press for the leveller with Kieran Brocklehurst turning his man well but firing his shot into the garden behind the goal before Steve Settle had a half volley fly past the near post. On 30 minutes got their goal as Waldon raced through the middle of the park, his through ball found the advanced Poole who slotted calmly under the Knutsford goalkeeper. With the momentum with them Poole almost gave West an immediate lead has he received the ball inside the centre circle, saw the goalkeeper off his line and attempted to lob him with his shot just clearing the crossbar. Poizer curled a free kick just over the bar after Waldon was hauled down from behind. The games first major talking point came minutes before half time as Settle, playing right back, broke to the touchline, beating his man and playing the ball across the
penalty area. However with the ball already out of play and Settle virtually off the pitch, the full back charged into him well after the ball and sent Settle flying, colliding with the concrete perimeter fence post ribs first almost six feet away. The force of the collision was such that it sent Settle spinning onto the pathway behind the goal. However the referee without so much as checking on the player, let alone awarding a foul for dangerous play allowed the cowardly challenge to go unpunished and continue the game. The Knutsford’s chairman immediate reaction was to reach over the prostrate player and move the post, now bent at an angle, back into an upright position. West continued with 10 men as Poole slotted into the right back position but immediately fell behind as Knutsford re-took the lead breaking the offside trap and finished low past Newbrook into the bottom left hand corner and lead at the break. West came out for the second half unchanged as Settle decided to continue, more through determination than sound medical advice, and immediately had another injury to contend with as Potts cleared a loose ball and the Knutsford forward continued with his challenge, the two clashing heads forcing Potts from the game with a suspected concussion. Callum Jones replaced Potts and Head Coach Steve Brockley rang the changes soon after with Lewis Schofield, Dan Russell and Sam Mitten replacing Brocklehurst, Waldon and Gallagher. West immediate fell further behind as a long ball from the goalkeeper was flicked on, despite suggestions of an elbow, and Kntusford race through the offside trap again and finished low into the bottom corner. With the game seemingly gone and West having given up Brockley, Steer and Dee replaced Scott Jones, Poizer and Matt Eckersley with Ollie Wright replacing Newbrook in goal. Immediately West perked up and a pass down the left found Schofield who crossed into the middle finding Steer who fired home with a superb volley. Three minutes later the two sides were level as again Schofield, on the left, crossed in for Steer, who headed into the top left hand corner. On 83 minutes West were in front as Settle, by this time running the game, cut inside the penalty area from the right, his tame shot was took a deflection and was somehow hooked into the top corner by the Knutsford centre back. Three goals in ten minutes and a superb fight back from the players. There was a delay in the restart as the Knutsford players surrounded the referee with accusations of him somehow being a cheat. Sadly West couldn’t hold onto the lead as for the third time in the game Knutsford broke the offside trap and a scuffed shot managed to trundle past Wright in the West goal.
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Holyhead Hotspur v West‌ match action
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Holyhead Hotspur 3 West 1 ‌ match report West concluded their pre-season with a disappointing defeat at the hands of Cymru Alliance side Holyhead Hotspur. The squad rotated again as West lined up with 17 year old debutant James McClenaghan in goal as well as captain Mark Rogers returning to the side partnering Coleshill bound Alex Baird in the centre of defence. Michael Simcock returned at left back having recovered sufficiently from a hamstring injury suffered against Bromsgrove whilst Callum Jones came in for the injured Richmond Botchey at right back. In midfield Rick Gleave returned to partner Jordan Poole in the middle whilst Lewis Schofield started after setting up two goals at Knutsford in the week. It was a tense and tight opening to the game, delayed due to the late arrival of the team coach, but the games first talking point came on six minutes when a ball over the top of the Holyhead defence was met by their goalkeeper who had raced out of his goal. However his clearance fell straight to Gleave, the keeper flew into the West midfielder legs first, pole-axing the player with the referee with it being a friendly encounter, taking no action. Gleave was able to continue but suffered a dead leg in the challenge. The game continued along with both sides trying to play but with neither side creating anything resembling a chance. West's first chance of the game gave them the lead on 28 minutes when Lewis Schofield curled in a corner to the near post with the Holyhead full back heading over his goalkeeper and inside the far post. Suddenly the game came alive and from the kick off McClenaghan was forced into his first save as Holyhead broke down the right, the Hotspur forward tried to beat him at the near post but the young stopper was able to deflect it away for a corner. At the other end West forced a corner of their own, the goalkeeper came out to collect the ball but as he did, he turned and swung his fist at Jonny Poizer. After a few moments of handbags the referee sent off the Holyhead goalkeeper as well as Poizer who for his part was no more than a bystander. After a few minutes for everyone to calm down, the cool head of coach Steve Brockley prevailed after talking to the referee and both players continued the match. It was a second lucky escape for the goalkeeper. From the re-start West forced the Holyhead goalkeeper into his first save with their best move of the match as they passed it quickly thorough the middle of the field, the ball reaching Lewis Schofield whose through ball released Ben Steer but his shot was hit tamely at the goalkeeper.
However West went into the half with the lead. West began the second half with a change as Jordan Poole was replaced by Matt Eckersley. It was the home side who created the half's first chance as a long distance curling effort just creeping over the crossbar before Gleave responded with a similar long range half volley from 25 yards. On 58 minutes Holyhead were level, albeit in controversial circumstances, as the Holyhead winger raced onto a ball over the top, despite appearing to be several yards offside the linesman (the Holyhead Secretary) kept his flag down and he slotted home past McClenaghan in the West goal. West rang than changes as Sam Mitten, Scott Jones and Jamie Waldon replaced Simcock, Steer and Poizer. Holyhead, now level, sensed they could win the game and should have taken the lead when Callum Jones was turned on the touchline and the other Holyhead winger somehow managed to roll his shot past the post. The signs were coming as Holyhead had a long range effort deflected away for a corner. From the corner Holyhead were in front as a ball high into the six yard box was headed home at the far post un-marked. Holyhead continued to dominate and should have had a second from another corner moments later as the same Holyhead player, again un-marked, managed to toe poke his shot wide inside the six yard box. West continued to give Holyhead too much time and space and Holyhead went close again given the space and freedom of Anglesey but again missed the target. Mitten forced the Holyhead goalkeeper into the his first save of the second half, breaking down the right and firing his shot to the near post forcing the goalkeeper to push it away. Eckersley also forced a save as he fired a low shot from the edge of the area directly at the goalkeeper. West's' best chance of the second half came from Waldon, who ran from deep into the box beating two men, he did a complete 360 degree turn before firiing his shot low into the bottom left hand corner but somehow the Hotspur keeper tipped it round the post for a corner. Holyhead made the game safe however as the left winger again skinned Callum Jones, raced into the box, rounded McClenaghan, stopped and fired it past the man on the line at the near post to hand Holyhead a deserved 3-1 victory.
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Looking back our new feature on Football History We all know about the exploits of the giants that are Manchester United and Manchester City. Across the country, and even the world, iconic places and people like Old Trafford, Maine Road, Bert Trautman and George Best are regularly spoken of with fondness and reverence. But Manchester has seen a great many more interesting pieces of footballing history. Here, we explore some of the lesser known aspects of Manchester's rich tapestry of football history.
The Fallowfield Stadium It may only be a few miles away from Brookburn Road, but few people know that the small town of Fallowfield once hosted an FA Cup final! Some may have expected a Manchester FA Cup final to be held at the ground of one of the bigger clubs. But the venue that hosted this illustrious game, in 1893, was not the home of Manchester United or Manchester City. In fact it was the home of the Manchester Athletics Club, a stadium which encompassed an athletics track and velodrome. The match was played between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton. Everton were strong favourites for the game, having seen their reserves beat Wolves's first 4-2 the previous fortnight. However, they struggled in this game, finding their wingers impeded by the crowd, who continually attempted to trip them, and even invaded the pitch on occasions, interrupting the game. Wolves ended up running out 1-0 winners, but was the result fair? Everton were to, unsuccessfully, request a replay, stating that the venue had been entirely unsuitable for the game, and had contributed to their defeat. Whilst we cannot know if that was the case, we can get a pretty good idea. The stadium's stated capacity was 15,000, though the reported attendance that day was 45,067, and the newspapers claimed that the majority of spectators had no view of the match. Despite the controversial nature of that game, this was by no means the only moment in the sun for the Fallowfield
Stadium. The very next year, the stadium was chosen to host an FA Cup semi-final between Sheffield United and Liverpool. This time, the stadium was proven beyond doubt to be unsuitable as the game was abandoned due to a crush in the crowd. Further prestige followed as a rugby league international match between England and Scotland was hosted there. Notably, this is the last home England rugby international match to be hosted outside London. Also in rugby league, 2 Challenge Cup Finals were held in Fallowfield during 1899 and 1900. After 1900 though, the stadium was rarely used for such prestigious events. It did host some other events, for which it was better suited, such as the 1919 National Cycling Championship and the cycling at the 1934 British Empire Games. A world record was set by the athlete Sydney Wooderson in 1939 who ran 他 miles in 2:59.5. After this, the stadium fell into decline and was never used for any national events. In the early 1960s it was bought by Manchester University and used for student football matches and athletic events, before being demolished in 1994. Nothing now remains of this stadium which once hosted numerous esteemed sporting events, and the site is now student halls of residence for Manchester University.
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Paul Hughes Dale Newbrook Sam Dee Mark Rodgers Anthony Potts Scott Jones Richmond Botchey Jordan Poole Rick Gleave Scott Mason Lewis Schofield Kieran Brocklehurst Jonathan Poizer Lee Gavin Dan Russell Matt Eckersley Ben Steer Markell Bennett Alex Baird Yaya Saeed Manager: Steve Settle Assts: Steve Brockley & Steve Eckersley
Manager: Michael Clegg Assistant: W Jones, S Campbell & A Heald
OFFICIALS Referee: Wade Smith | Assistant Referees: Ian Battersby & James Thorburn www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk TH
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August v AFC Liverpool – 7.45pm KO