West Didsbury & Chorlton v AFC Blackpool

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

NWCFL Premier Division

AFC Blackpool Saturday 15th November – 3.00pm

WELCOME WELCOME

to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC CLUB CONTACTS

FOOTBALL CONTACTS

Club President

First Team

Brian Cripps

Glyn Meacher 07905 431526

Manager: Andy Nelson 07952 567240 Asst Mgr: Steve Settle (coach) Asst Mgr: Steve Eckersley (admin) Match Secretary: Rob McKay 07706 302397

Club Secretary

Reserve Team

Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441

Manager: James Plowright 07900 332825 Asst Manager: Jim Hines

Membership Secretary

Club Coaches

Chairman

Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Treasurer

Rob Madden – First Team Tony Holmes – Goalkeepers Joel Hudson – Reserves

Dave Cooper 07961 063195

Physio Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Paddy Murphy Magdalena Maria

Community Development

‘A’ Team Manager

Head of Fundraising

Davy Iredale

Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Publicity and Web

Youth Team Manager

John Churchman 07720 508082

Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397

Ian Depeiaza 07838 232401

Junior Football Co-ordinator Mark Rogers 07841 112903

Vets Manager Chris Smith 07867 171815

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.

CLUB INFO… To contact the club please use the club website

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FE

EDITORIAL

AFC BLACKPOOL

WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS FROM BLACKPOOL and our neighbours from OSWALD ROAD JUNIOR FC. This afternoon we extend a warm welcome to two groups of visitors.

Firstly to everyone associated with AFC Blackpool on what is only their second visit to The Recreation Ground but at a time when they will be fighting tooth and nail to add to their points tally and get away from the wrong end of the table. We know every game in this division is tough and that we will need to put in another solid performance to get the points ourselves and keep on track for a better return than at this time last season.

Despite our inconsistency we are slightly better off than at this time last year and it would be good to build on that before we reach the half way mark of league games next week.

Last weekend we played very well and were worthy winners away at Bootle when we fought to the end for the 3 points we deserved and the late winner after Bootle equalised late on was testament to the character of the squad. On Tuesday night we had another tough test away at Ramsbottom United in the Lancashire County FA Challenge Trophy. ‘Rammy’ currently sit in the top 4 of the Evostik Premier Division, two league above us, but for the first 81 minutes there was nothing to separate the two sides. Our performance was excellent with some quality flowing possession football throughout the team and we were unlucky not to turn round at least a goal ahead after three good first half chances went begging. With 9 minutes left and another penalty shoot out in prospect, we switched off momentarily and that was enough for the home side to take the lead. We kept going manfully but as tired legs became evident the home side added another two goals which flattered them. It was a credit to our players that so many home fans and officials congratulated us on the team’s performance which showed again that when we play to our strengths we are capable of pushing anyone … and that was with Callum Schofield, Anthony Potts and Gary Lilley all sidelined for that game.

TODAY IS OSWALD ROAD DAY We are making good progress as we move forward with implementation of our planned merger with Oswald Road juniors, which means that from next season we will be providing football for all ages and abilities from soccer skills and junior teams to age 16, youth football to age 18 and continuing with our adult and veterans teams. Today is an opportunity for players and parents from Oswald Road to visit the club and the new facilities on the Hardy Farm Playing Fields next door, as from next season we will have the use of these new pitches for various teams from both clubs. Bringing the two clubs together is nearing reality after several years of discussions and a lot of hard work and we are delighted to welcome everyone from Oswald Road to today’s game.

CHRISTMAS BONFIRE AND FIREWORK EVENT Our Community bonfire last Friday and was postponed as the grass margins around the ground were waterlogged and unsafe.

We have decided to rearrange and hold a pre Christmas event on Saturday 13th December, see notice further on in this programme and monitor our website for more information.

Thank you for your support today and have a safe journey home. Rob Turley WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout‌ Hello and welcome back to Brookburn Road for today's game against AFC Blackpool. It feels like we have a baseball schedule some times as we invariably seem to either been at home in successive games or on the road continuously.

Since I last wrote we were defeated 3-1 at home to Congleton Town on a freezing Tuesday night. It was a real old fashioned encounter with big opposition, a vocal home crowd and mist pouring onto the field as the game wore on. on the night we were given a lesson on clinical finishing by Jim Vince's side but without doubt we were the better side for long spells in the game, placed some terrific football, terrified their back line and had some massive decision go against us.

Congleton, a traditional Northern Premier League powerhouse, could be grateful as on another day we would have certainly collected all three points.

On the Saturday we went to Bootle and our play finally got its reward as we dominated from start to finish and ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Nic Evangelinos who has joined from Coventry Sphinx and captain for the day Alex Baird. I was particularly pleased for Bairdy as he has been one of the most consistent players this season, in several positions, and the goals he is no chalking up are reward for his hard work. I twas a real team performance though, as from 1 to 11 plus all three subs contributing positively. A special mention must go to goalkeeper Jordan Hitchen, he saved a penalty, saved the rebound and at 2-1 made a world class save. Goalkeeping coach Tony Holmes has been working hard with him in training and its pleasing to see the product of his hard work on the field.

On Tuesday we went to Ramsbottom United in the League Challenge Cup, Ramsbottom are a NPL Premier Division side now, having won the NWCFL a couple of seasons ago and were promoted through the play offs last season. To go there and put in a very good performance was to show what the hard work of people can achieve and with us having collected the points on Saturday, it was an experience we could enjoy.

Andy Nelson

Andy and the team respect a minutes silence before the Bootle game last Saturday WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 1 Congleton Town 3 match report‌ On a perfect cold, crisp, and eventually misty, midweek night at Brookburn Road West returned to league action to take on Congleton Town in a re-arrangement of the abandoned fixture from earlier in the season.

West started the game brightly and had much of the better play in the early exchanges with Christopher McDonagh, Nic Evanogelinos and Gary Lilley leading the line of West pressure.

However it was the visitors who took the lead on 20 minutes, very much against the run of play, when a Bears corner was whipped in from the West left and eventually bundled home by Scott Sephton.

West were not discouraged and finished the half strongly as Evangelinos had the home sides best chance when he forced the Congleton goalkeeper into an excellent save having turned his full back inside out from a wonderful flowing move down the right. West went into the break very much the better side but Congleton looked dangerous on the break.

The second half kicked off with West supporters welcoming back Captain Mark Rogers after the horrific injury he sustained at home to Winsford United in August. Unfortunately his introduction was necessitated by an injury to Anthony Potts in the first half when he cut his head going up for a challenge at the end of the first half which required a hospital visit to glue together.

Rogers, however, had an immediate impact as his free kick from half way was launched into the box, knocked down by McDonagh and, on the turn, fired home by Evangelinos for his first goal for the club. West almost immediately took the lead as, from another set piece, a whipped in cross found Jordan Poole at the far post but he couldn't force it home.

However West didn't heed the counter attacking threat of Congleton as they raced down the field after West were controversially ruled to be offside, the initial ball flashed across the goal but the second cross found the head of Sephton who powered it past Jordan Hitchen in goal, who to his credit got a hand to it, but couldn't stop it going in. 24 hours before bonfire night and the fireworks began early as Mark Rogers was elbowed in the face and received a yellow card for his troubles, Congleton broke down the right again and were awarded a penalty for a terrific tackle by Callum Schofield, only to be deemed to be a foul by the referee. Up stepped the Congleton centre forward whose shot straight down the middle just past Hitchen.

To the dismay of Congleton, West would not go quietly as they continued to play their football with Scott Mason and Evangelinos a constant danger on the wings and McDonagh proving a handful down the middle. Hitchen also made an excellent save from Ben Halfacre to prevent it being 1-4.

Congleton were reduced to 9 men after a wild challenge from Congleton sub Laurence James sparking much pushing and shoving in the middle of the park from both sets of players. Shown his marching orders for a kick following the foul, the Bears player then seemed intent to discuss the matter with the entire home dugout. Congleton's Chris Middleton received his marching orders for a second yellow card for dissent and 'Macca' was also booked for the temerity of being fouled. It was a shame that such an engaging game of football with only one tackle resembling a bad challenge should draw 5 yellows for the home team and 2 yellows and 2 reds for the visitors.

The game was not over as the impressive Evangleinos had another shot blocked before sub Kieran Brocklehurst rattled the post with a 30 yard effort. At the far end Congleton sub Scott Barlow clipped the top of the bar with an effort of his own. Despite 6 minutes of added on time, West could not make their numerical advantage count and Congleton were able to escape with the points. Overall an excellent and committed performance from the players who were on the end of a clinical display of finishing from Congleton and we gave a side with one of the biggest budgets in the league a real test.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

West v Congleton Town match action…

Pictures courtesy of James Lobley WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Oswald Road JFC Day explained…

It was an outrageous piece of good fortune.

Two years ago, during an U10 game in Chorlton Park, a scuffed shot bobbled past the fingertips of our sprawling keeper only to be stopped by a tussock of grass.

Who needs goal line technology when the turf is on your side?

‘Council pitches - unbelievable, hey?’ I shrugged sheepishly, quietly relieved the pitch was in a fallow 'ungrazed' state.

A week later, we had a bigger stroke of luck.

A notice promising ‘new grass pitches’ at Hardy Farm happened to catch my eye on the NW Counties Football League website. I read on, dreaming of lush swathes of green lovingly tended by a groundsman instead of our neglected ‘cow field’.

The ad by West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC described an ‘ambitious plan’ including the development of ‘youth, junior and ladies football’ and even the appointment of a Junior Football Co-ordinator.

As a fairly new Oswald Rd coach at the time, I was vaguely aware that talks in previous years about a possible merger had stalled.

Our two clubs have been linked informally for years. Not only do we hold our end-of-season awards at the Brookburn Rd clubhouse, but many of West’s club officials began their football careers at Oswald Rd. Even West’s first team players like Danny Summers and Ben Simpson came up through the Oswald Rd junior ranks.

With teams from U8 to U16, our FA Charter Standard junior football club seemed ready-made for West Didsbury’s community club ambitions.

Surely, this was a chance too good to miss? www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Pictures: U9s and below U12s celebration

Oswald Road JFC Day - continued…

Today, I’m pleased to say that merger is back on and about to bear fruit. Thanks to positive talks between Oswald Rd and West Didsbury & Chorlton, we are now looking forward to playing our first home games on Hardy Farm Playing Fields in 2015 as the junior section of a newly-merged club.

And yes, our dreams of better facilities – changing rooms, car parking, and somewhere for our long-suffering parents to get a coffee and some shelter - may be about to come true too.

It's also hoped the plan will improve Chorlton Meadows.

To have today’s West Didsbury & Chorlton vs AFC Blackpool match dedicated as an Oswald Road Day is not only a great privilege, but also a significant moment for both our clubs.

Events like this will help to bring us together as we look to unite in the months ahead in building a new community club we can all be proud of.

And having looked over the new pitches at Hardy Farm, I can honestly say: the grass is definitely greener. And with fewer tussocks.

Richard Turner Chairman Oswald Road JFC

Today’s Mascot: Jessica White We are pleased to welcome Jessica as our mascot today; we asked Jessica a few questions

Q

How old are you:

A

I am 7 years old

Q

What team do you play for:

A

I play for Oswald Road JFC under 8's

Q

What team do you support:

A

I support Manchester United

Q

Who is your favourite player:

A

My favourite player is Van Persie

We also heard that this season Jessica has played her first competitive game for her club, and that she is a solid defender. Keep that going Jessica, we’ll be interested to see how you progress, we may have a new Steph Haughton on our hands!

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Bootle 1 West 2 match report…

On a cold and wet Saturday West left the Delta Taxis Stadium with a deserved three points after a 2-1 win away to Bootle. West manager Andy Nelson made several changes to side due to the injury of Anthony Potts and both Scott Mason and Chris McDonagh being unavailable; in their place in came Scott Jones, Adam Hilton and Kieran Brocklehurst.

West started brightly with both wingers Hilton and Evangelinos getting the better of their full back counterparts in the opening stages. Evangelinos had the games first chance, cutting inside from the touchline on the half way line, racing towards the penalty area and shot low which was well held by the Bootle goalkeeper. West’s front line kept the pressure on Bootle forcing them deeper inside their own half. Jordan Poole had another a shot deflected from a corner just outside the area before Hilton had another chance curled over. Hilton went close again, beating his full back and putting in a superb cross along the six yard line forcing yet another corner, West would have 11 in the game, with the short corner routine worked gibing Alex Baird a chance at the near post but his low shot was deflected.

West then had the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside. Evangelinos then had a free kick forced for another corner before Matt Eckersley had the best chance of the half firing just wide from more than 30 yards. Despite West’s dominance of the first half the score at half time was 0-0.

In the second half West carried on as they started with Eckersley clipping the top of the crossbar after another good move down the left from Hilton. On 52 minutes West finally got the goal their play deserved when Bootle lost possession in midfield and Callum Jones whipped in a huge cross onto the head of Evangelinos who headed home into the bottom right hand corner.

Having gone a goal down, Bootle pressed to level and were awarded a penalty for an apparent trip in the area. Up stepped the Bootle number 9 but his shot was hit low to the right and without much power allowing Hitchen to make a good save to his left. Hitchen then followed up with a superb save from the rebound.

At the other end Eckersley had a 40 yarder hit the roof of the net as they tried to put the game out of sight. Andy Nelson rang the changes as Rick Gleave and Tre Baldwin-Willis replace Brocklehurst, who did well leading the line, and Poole, who had been a constant source of pressure all game. Baldwin-Willis was almost immediately on the score sheet as he chased a through ball, rounding the keeper who had come up to half way but a certain second was prevented by a superb tackle.

Mark Rogers then replaced the superb Adam Hilton as West looked to their experience to close out of the game. The ever irrepressible Gary Lilley almost wrapped up the game with a long curling shot that was forced round the post by the Bootle keeper. From the corner Bootle broke with a long ball down the middle, the Bootle centre forward brought it across his body, the West management would say with the use of his hand, nipped passed Hitchen who had come to get the ball and tapped it into an empty net.

West would not be denied as the Bootle keeper made another superb save to force yet another West corner. It would be 11th time lucky for West as the ball was whipped in, initially punched away, but a wonderful tackle from Callum Schofield, injuring him in the process, kept the move alive, Lilley played in Alex Baird who fired it low into the bottom corner to secure the points for West.

It wasn’t over though as at the other end Jordan Hitchen made a world class save low to his left from a Bootle corner and time ran out as West won at Bootle for the first time ever. It was a deserved three points, one of the best performances of the season with everyone who played making a positive contribution. Rob McKay

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Bootle v West match action…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

History‌

AFC Blackpool

AFC Blackpool was formed in 1947 under the name of Blackpool Metal Mechanics and played at Stanley Park for two years before moving to the current Jepson Way ground.

They played in local leagues before taking the step up to join the West Lancashire League. During this period in local league football they won many awards, taking the Division Two title of the Fylde District League in 1950/51 and in Division One were champions twice and runners-up three times in five consecutive years between 1953/54 and 1957/58. Numerous local cup competitions were also won, including the Lancashire Junior Shield in 1957/58, a competition they were to win again in 1960/61.

As the 50's drew to a close, Blackpool Mechanics decided to take the next step up and join the West Lancashire League. They were an almost immediate success, being runners-up in 1959/60 and champions for the next two seasons. Various cups and trophies from local competitions still regularly found their way to Jepson Way. The club then took another step up the football ladder by joining the Lancashire Combination.

The jump in standard meant the cups and honours that had poured into the trophy room dried up and it was not until the turn of the decade before many more honours were to come their way.

In 1972/73 they won the Lancashire Combination Bridge Shield and in 1974/75 they finished runners-up in the league, just one point behind champions Darwen. They remained a strong team throughout the 70's although towards the end they suffered some poor results.

With the advent of the North West Counties League, Blackpool Mechanics were placed in Division Three and in 1985/86 were promoted to Division Two. At the end on 1991/92 they were promoted to Division One, but it was not a happy experience and the club returned to Division Two. After a few seasons of struggle, the club is now financially stable and looking forward to developing the club's potential both on and off the pitch.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

AFC Blackpool History continued…

In the summer of 2005 Blackpool Mechanics FC merged with Lytham St. Annes FC who had just won the West Lancashire League Division One title. Lytham St. Annes resigned from their own league and have brought their resources and manpower to Jepson Way in a bid to launch the new look Mechanics in their push up the non-league football pyramid.

The club was re-named AFC Blackpool in May 2008 when Blackpool Mechanics FC and Squires Gate Junior FC got together to form one club. It was decided to mark the start of a new era by re-naming the club and the name 'AFC Blackpool' was chosen. The club leased a further piece of land adjacent to the ground in Jepson Way to accommodate the enlarged club and investment to improve the facilities was begun. The club ground in Jepson Way retains its name 'The Mechanics' to maintain a link with the past.

Season 2010/11 saw the club have probably its best season ever. The first team were promoted to the Premier Divison as Div.1 champions with a record breaking 28 wins and three draws in 34 league matches. They also reached the semi finals in both the 1st Divison Trophy and the League Cup. There were notable sucesses in the Junior section too with the under 16s doing the league and cup double, the under 10's and 11's winning their respective Divisions and the under 14s also winning promotion.

With the club now providing football from under 6 through to open age the future is looking secure. .

Today’s Match Sponsor…

Eckersley’s Plumbers & Locksmiths

A family run Plumbing and Locksmith company, based in Bolton.

Eckersley’s offer 24 hour emergency plumbing and locksmith services with a 1 hour response time and no call out fee! All of our work is guaranteed and carried out by a qualified and friendly engineer.Covering all local areas of Bolton, Wigan and Manchester, no call centre, direct to an engineer. No VAT charges

Eckersley`s Garden Services Eckersley’s also provide garden services covering private and commercial work; please contact us for more details.

Tel:07510 449182 e-mail: phil.eckersley@hotmail.com WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Can YOU Help?

The Club is always looking for more volunteers to help, we are dependent on the time and effort of volunteer helpers who act as club officials, manage and staff the bar and clubhouse on match days, produce the match day programme and undertake a host of other tasks around the clubhouse and grounds.

Every little helps so if you are interested in getting involved please talk to a committee member or contact us at www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk. www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

The next games at Brookburn Road…

Saturday 29th November 3.00pm – MEN Cup West v Rochdale Town Saturday 6th December 3.00pm – West v Stockport Sports

Saturday 22nd November 3.00pm – West Reserves v Cuddington FC

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

NWCFL League Table’s after games on Tuesday 8th November

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Ramsbottom United 3 Wests 0 Match Report…

West travelled to Evo-Stik Premier Division side Ramsbottom United in the second round of the Lancashire FA Trophy and were 9 minutes from forcing a penalty shoot-out before three quick goals saw the home side into the next round.

West manager Andy Nelson made four changes from the side that won at the weekend at Bottle with Gary Lilley suspended and Callum Schofield suspended, Rick Gleave and Steve Settle came in to replace them respectively. Chris McDonagh and Scott Mason also replaced Jordan Poole and Kieran Brocklehurst as the manager opted for his most experienced players.

West started slowly as Ramsbottom had the first chance of the half with Hitchen making a low save, he couldn't hold onto and made a fine second save despite the linesman flag for offside.

West grew into the game with their first quality move providing Rick Gleave with a chance from range and his shot being deflected just wide for a corner. The corner was headed away but only as far as Matt Eckersley whose shot was blocked preventing him from a certain goal. West stepped up the tempo as McDonagh found himself in the middle of the park with time to turn; as he did he flicked a brilliant pass to Evangelinos on the wing whose shot missed at the near post.

'Macca' went through himself, breaking the offside trap thanks to an excellent through pass from Adam Hilton, but he waited too long to shoot and it was saved excellent by the home goalkeeper down to his left. McDonagh wasn't finished as he then attempted to chip the goalkeeper from half way with his shot bouncing inches wide with the goalkeeper well beaten.

Ramsbottom responded immediately with Hitchen forced into a point blank save from a header after a whipped in ball across the edge of the penalty area. This spurred ‘Rammy’, as they finished the half the stronger, with Alex Baird blocking not one but two certain goals on the line with last gasp challenges to ensure an entertaining first half finished 0-0.

The home team manager kept his players on the field at half time and made his first substitution as the second half kicked off. The tempo increased as Ramsbottom responded to their half time instruction but West more than matched them as the game wore on.

There were fewer chances for West in the second half as Hitchen was called into action again making a superb save on the hour mark racing quickly off his line to make another stop. At the other Ricky Gleave was played in by Adam Hilton but he could only loop his shot over the keeper with him scrambling back onto his line to make the save.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Ramsbottom United v Wests continued Sam Dee came on for the injured Scott Jones and Mark Rogers replaced Evangelinos to try and gain more of a foothold in midfield. Ramsbottom made two more changes, giving their side more of a feel of their first choice XI as the game opened up with both sides exchanging counter attacks. Just as West believed they might be able to force penalties, Ramsbottom struck with just nine minutes remaining. Hulme's pass from the touch line found Spencer at the edge of the area and his shot flew past the oncoming Rogers and in off the post. ‘Rammy’ were determined not to force a shoot out as they quickly added a second, a ball played down the right was crossed first time and Gaskell volleyed home from mere yards to give a scoreline that did not reflect the game. Gaskell almost added a second immediately afterwards over-headed kicking another cross but Hitchen prevented a certain goal making another excellent save. The third game on 90 minutes as yet another cross from the right evaded the West back line, Hulme fed Dean and he fired low into the bottom right hand corner.

There was still time for West to salvage something as sub Kieran Brocklehurst volleyed over from 5 yards after a superb cross from Hilton evading everyone. From the goal kick Steve Settle, superb in the heart of defence all evening, dispossessed the defender, played in McDonagh but he too fired his shot over. Overall, a superb effort from the lads against a side 4th in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, with a performance to be proud of against the highest placed opposition the club had ever faced. Rob McKay

CHRISTMAS BONFIRE AND FIREWORK EVENT Our Community bonfire last Friday was postponed for safety reasons, so we have decided to rearrange and hold a pre Christmas event at 7pm on Saturday 13th December, with a Christmas Grotto, stalls, tombola, mince pies, mulled wine and the fireworks display.

So as before, please support the evening if you can and spread the word to friends and family so that we have a big attendance.

This is our major club fundraiser of the year and a great opportunity to introduce people to the club.

Keep your eyes on the club website for more information when details take shape. www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Appearances and Attendances…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Statistics 8.11.2014

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Join the action and support your local team…

Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse to get the number you want from those remaining…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Week’s Results & Upcoming Fixtures…

RESULTS Saturday 8th November 2014 Premier Division AFC Blackpool 1-2 Abbey Hey Alsager Town 1-0 Bacup & Rossendale Borough Barnoldswick Town 5-0 Stockport Sports Bootle 1-2 West Didsbury & Chorlton Congleton Town 1-1 Ashton Athletic Glossop North End 4-0 Winsford United Maine Road 1-3 Runcorn Linnets Nelson 2-1 AFC Liverpool Runcorn Town 2-7 Squires Gate Silsden 0-2 1874 Northwich St Helens Town 1-5 Colne

Mid Cheshire Senior Cup 1874 Northwich 4-2 Rudheath Town Wednesday 12th November 2014 The Reusch First Division Cup – (North) Oldham Boro 3-2 Rochdale Town The Reusch First Division Cup – (South) Northwich Flixton Villa 4-2 Cammell Laird 1907 Lancashire Challenge Trophy – 2nd Round AFC Darwen p-p AFC Blackpool Bacup & Rosendale Borough 0-2 Daisy Hill

FIXTURES First Division AFC Darwen p-p Cheadle Town Atherton LR 2-0 Widnes Chadderton p-p Cammell Laird 1907 Holker Old Boys 2-0 Irlam Litherland REMYCA 7-1 Oldham Boro Northwich Flixton Villa 1-2 Daisy Hill Rochdale Town 3-1 Ashton Town Wigan Robin Park 0-6 Atherton Collieries Monday 10th November 2014 The Reusch First Division Cup – (South) Widnes 1-2 Barnton Tuesday 11th November 2014 The Reusch First Division Cup – (South) Cheadle Town 1-1, (0-3 on pens) Hanley Town Irlam 0-1 Litherland REMYCA Premier Division Ashton Athletic 4-0 Squires Gate Runcorn Linnets 4-3 Congleton Town Stockport Sports 0-4 Abbey Hey Derbyshire Senior Cup – 2nd Round Glossop North End 5-1 Gamesley Lancashire Challenge Trophy - 2nd Round AFC Fylde 3-3 (3-4 on pens) Holker Old Boys Clitheroe 1-1 (4-3 on pens) Nelson Radcliffe Borough 1-1 (3-4 on pens) Atherton Collieries Ramsbottom United 3-0 West Didsbury & Chorlton

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Saturday 15th September 2014 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Nelson AFC Liverpool v Abbey Hey Ashton Athletic v Barnoldswick Town Bacup & Rossendale Borough v Runcorn Town Colne v Glossop North End Congleton Town v Winsford United Runcorn Linnets v St Helens Town Silsden v Alsager Town Squires Gate v Bootle Stockport Sports v Maine Road West Didsbury & Chorlton v AFC Blackpool First Division AFC Darwen v Atherton LR Ashton Town v Oldham Boro Atherton Collieries v Rochdale Town Barnton v Irlam Cammell Laird 1907 v Holker Old Boys Eccleshall v Widnes Hanley Town v Northwich Flixton Villa Litherland REMYCA v Daisy Hill Wigan Robin Park v Chadderton

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

Follow News Updates on West via Twitter and Facebook!

Can’t make it to the game and want live match updates? Wanting the very latest news from the club on the move? Make sure that you log onto our Facebook page for all the latest news, views and updates on all things West Didsbury & Chorlton by clicking on www.facebook.com/WestDidsburyChorlton Alternatively you can follow on the very latest goings on the club with exclusive content by logging onto Twitter and following us @WD_CFC (picture of club badge)

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

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

OUR SPONSORS We would like to express our sincere thanks to our current pitch side board sponsors for their support. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

A Brief History…

West Didsbury and Chorlton FC, have come a long way in their 105 year history which began back in 1908 when the club was founded as Christ Church A.F.C. by Mr R F Hartley, a Sunday School Superintendent at the church on Princess Parkway, West Didsbury.

West played friendlies at first and then in the Manchester Alliance League until the First World War 1914. After the War the club joined the Lancashire and Cheshire League for the 1920/21 season and had to change its name to West Didsbury AFC, as that League did not permit a name suggesting association with any other body. The club was placed in Divisions 1 and A, staying in the top flight for 25 seasons. The first honours were double runners up in Div 1 and Rhodes Cup in 1922/23, and the club remained in the L+C League until 2006, winning many honours and providing 4 League Presidents along the way.

The home ground from before 1914 until the mid 1980’s was Christie Playing Fields, and then the owners, Manchester and Salford Playing Fields Society, gave the club notice to quit having decided to sell off the land for commercial development – now ironically called ‘Christie Fields’ office park.

After several years’ nomadic existence searching for a new home, the club acquired the redundant and overgrown Recreation Ground at Brookburn Road in 1996, and began to restore this to active use and develop a vision for a community club. This was down to the hard work of a core of players and Committee who refused to let the club fold. Work was completed in time to start the 1997-98 season using excellent new changing rooms and clubhouse facilities aided by a Lottery grant, new sponsors and members’ fundraising, but without a penny from the Playing Fields Society sale proceeds.

Further name change followed in 2003 to reflect the new location in Chorlton and the club was then elected to the Manchester League in 2006. In 2007/8 West won its first Manchester League silverware lifting the Murray Shield in the last game of our centenary year. That team was the nucleus of the previously successful junior team and the following season 2008/09 West just missed promotion to the Premier Division and again reached the Murray Shield Final. won their League.

With a new management team led by Andy Nelson, 2009/10 was very successful and honours spread throughout the club. The 1st team won the Murray Shield (the third consecutive year in the final) and was league runners-up. The reserves won the Bridgewater League Cup and the U17 Youth team won their League.

In 2010/2011 the 1st team won the Manchester League First Division title in style with a fantastic 65 points out of 72 possible. This ranks as one of the highest points totals per game in Manchester League history dating back over a century. The clubs reserve team and youth teams also had terrific seasons, resulting in promotion and for the second year reaching the Bridgewater Cup Final.

The Youth team reached yet another final where they were just pipped to the trophy by New Mills. The Veterans were runners up in the Premier Division of the Cheshire Veterans League and then started a second veterans team such was the interest in the club. Plans were also made to formally integrate junior football as the club Vision is to be a FA Charter Standard Community Club, playing at the highest possible level it can whilst remaining financially viable.

Further improved saw floodlights erected in 2011 to meet FA requirements and West competed in the FA Vase for the first time in 2011-2012 as a Step 7 club.

Election to the NWCFL followed in June 2012 and the club had an incredible first season winning the Div1 Trophy, finishing in 3rd position after an amazing run in during March and April to secure promotion and also winning a guaranteed FA Cup place. The over 45’s team again chipped in with Cheshire Veterans league silverware.

2013-14 saw the club meet a number of challenges on and off the field by recovering from a series of early season setbacks and defeats in August to consolidate with a very creditable 12th place league finish. Two new stands were installed to improves the spectator facilities, new grass pitches and youth teams were added as part of the long term development plan, whilst remaining as a volunteer run, ‘not for profit’ club.

The other historic milestones achieved during the season were the 2-0 home victory over Abbey Hey in the club’s first ever appearance in the FA Cup followed by a 2-1 first ever FA Vase victory away at NCEL Rossington Main near Doncaster in mid September. This season the club hosts Brighouse Town from the Evo Stik league in the FA Cup at the end of August having been given a walk by the FA against NWCFL new club Cammell Laird 1907.

NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 15th November 2014 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

AFC Blackpool

White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

Tangerine Shirts, Shorts & Socks

G’keepers Jordan Hitchen Luke Lundy Defenders Callum Jones Scott Jones Sam Dee Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Alex Baird Midfield Steve Settle Mark Rogers (Capt) Danny Summers Jordan Poole Gary Lilley Scott Mason Matt Eckersley Forwards Chris McDonagh Kieran Brocklehurst Adam Hilton Tre Baldwin-Willis Nic Evanogelinos

Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

Adam Caunce Martin Baird Kevan Ford Marc Taylor Mitchell Newsham Pedro Monteiro Paul Carroll Roman Grodziki Damian Nawrocik Lukasz Jarosiewicz Charlie Waters Danny Green Phil Ioannou Ben SIngleton Marc Burgess Steve Betteridge Michael Nolan Matthew Muscroft Jamie Nay Zack Wilkes Ryan Vaughan Aaron Fleming Slawez Perz Danny Summer Manager: Jim Vince Assistant: Steve Hardy

OFFICIALS Referee: Matthew Pope Assistant Referees: Craig Sumner and David Mason