West Didsbury & Chorlton v Congleton Town

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

NWCFL Premier Division

Congleton Town Tuesday 4th November – 7.45pm

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 Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Community Development Davy Iredale

Publicity and Web John Churchman 07720 508082

Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397

Paddy Murphy

‘A’ Team Manager Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Youth Team Manager 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

Congleton Town

WELCOME TO CONGLETON Tonight it's back to important league business as we welcome the players, officials and supporters of Congleton Town for their second evening visit of the season. We did try to play this fixture a few weeks back but the timer switch on the floodlights failed early on with the visitors leading 1-0, and consequently the game had to be postponed. This was a bizarre coincidence repeating the events of last season when we travelled to Congleton just before Christmas and went in at the interval leading 1-0 when an electrical fault resulted in a fire at the base of one of the floodlights and a similar postponement. There should be no problems this evening and we look forward to a good game against one of the current form teams in the division who recorded a very good 4-2 away win at Abbey Hey last Saturday. Everyone is very welcome at West this evening and we trust you all enjoy the experience, our hospitality and have a safe journey home after the game.

This is the third home game in 8 days and after the disappointment of losing 1-0 to Abbey Hey last Tuesday the response of the players and team performance against Glossop in the FA Vase last Saturday was much better. We pushed the top current form team all the way, fighting back from a 2 goal deficit midway through the second half, and when Scott Mason powered home a great header it looked like we were going to get back on terms. We had strong claims for a spot kick soon after when the Glossop full back's right forearm prevented an equaliser but the referee waved away the vehement appeals to award a corner.

It was then a case of so near but yet so far as our interest in the Vase ended for another season.

We are nearing the half way mark of the league programme and with 17 league games our points total is very similar to this time last season. Our home form has been erratic to say the least and we now need to get some more points on the board to consolidate and stay away from trouble and see if we can better last season's 12th place finish. This is only the second season we've played Congleton Town with honours even so far. Last campaign we won the game here 1-0 and then went down 3-1 in the rearranged game at Congleton later in the season - We would settle for a repeat home win and 3 points for us tonight.

Community Bonfire Friday night starting at 6.30pm On Friday evening we have our annual Community Bonfire event which starts from 6.30pm with fireworks at 7.30pm - see the advertisement inside tonight's programme. 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.

Thank you for your support this evening and have a safe journey home.

Rob Turley Cover picture: Alex Baird in action, pictures in tonight’s programme provided by James Lobley

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout…

Hello and welcome back to Brookburn Road for today's re arranged game against Congleton Town.

The games are certainly coming thick and fast at home, this being our third home game in a week. After the disappointment of losing here last Tuesday night when we dished up a lacklustre performance against a resolute Abbey Hey side, I was pleased with the effort and commitment we put into our FA Vase game against Glossop North End last Saturday. As I mentioned in my last notes we have struggled when the squad has been depleted, but with players available again on Saturday the performance against a top side was very good and with that spirit and quality we have here we look forward to being able to focus on getting some more points on the board.

It is also good to meet up again with Glossop and their Manager Steve Willcock, ‘Wilco’ and I have known each other for years and we enjoyed a drink in the bar afterwards and a good conversation about football. It was also an extra special day for the club to recognise the hard work over many years that Rob Turley has committed to the club, with the naming of the Rob Turley Stand. I couldn’t finish my notes with also saying I was pleased to see our two mascots on Saturday, Ollie Settle, Steve’s son and my godson Ronan Noakes.

I would like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Congleton Town and wish them a safe journey home after the game. If you have taken advantage of our free entry offer today I hope you have enjoyed your experience and will come and visit us again.

Finally I would like to ask that all supporters to please try and support the club with our upcoming bonfire, it’s a huge source of revenue for the club and we need you to help make it a success.

Enjoy the Game.

Andy Nelson

UPCOMING DIARY Next Friday 7th November is our Community Bonfire Event from 6.30pm.

Next Saturday 8th November we are away at Bootle at 3pm with the reserves here at home and then, Tuesday 11th November we are away at Ramsbottom at 7.45pm in the Lancashire FA ChallengeTrophy.

Saturday 15th November we are home to AFC Blackpool at 3pm which is also Oswald Road Day for our junior partner club.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 1 Glossop North End 2 match report‌ Full report to follow in the next programme.

This game saw an early re-match following our League match away at Glossop on 14 October when we were on the wrong end of a heavy defeat, (howbeit, as a combination of a number of factors). So we were never in any doubt we were in for a tough game.

The game was fairly evenly contested with both sides having good spells of possession in the early exchanges. Glossop were quickly pressing and took advantage of sloppy defending to go one up in the 35th minute, a lead they held to half time.

West reorganized in the second half making some personnel and positional changes which resulted in an improved performance, however we went further behind to more sloppy defending on 60 minutes. West regrouped and reduced the arrears in the 72 nd minute when Scott Mason from a corner rose above everyone and powered home a great header, from this point it looked like we were going to get back on terms.

With West pushing for an equalizer the home crowd were convinced this was coming when Glossop’s full back prevented an equaliser the what appeared to be clear handball, but the referee waved away the vehement appeals to award a corner.

A pleasing performance where we pushed the top current form team all the way, and something to build on starting with tonight’s game.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

West v Glossop North End match action…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

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.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Our visitors

Congleton Town

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.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Congleton Town History continued 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 semifinals 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 2year 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 4 th, 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.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Thank you to Rob Madden and Costcutter Our match sponsor for the FA Vase game last Saturday. Convenience Store 54 Sandy Lane Chorlton.

Interested in sponsoring one of our matches?

Then please speak to Rob, Steve or John – refer to details inside the front cover

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

The next games at Brookburn Road…

Saturday 15th November 3.00pm – West host AFC Blackpool Saturday 6th December 3.00pm – West host Stockport Sports

Saturday 8th November 3.00pm – West Reserves v FC Woodford 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 1st November

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Appearances and Attendances…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Statistics 01.11.2014

Oswald Road JFC News Upcoming events‌

Bonfire Night Friday 7 November from 6.30pm at The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road

Oswald Road Day Saturday 15 November kick off 3pm Players wearing Oswald Rd football shirts and families enter FREE for

West Didsbury & Chorlton v AFC Blackpool Includes football activities and a tour of the new facilities.

Oswald Rd Christmas do Sunday 14 December from 2pm at The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road For all players and families.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Week’s Results & Upcoming Fixtures…

RESULTS

FIXTURES

Tuesday 28th October 2014 Premier Division 1874 Northwich 1-0 Alsager Town St Helens Town 2-2 Runcorn Town West Didsbury Chorlton 0-1 Abbey Hey

Tuesday 4th November 2014 Premier Division Barnoldswick v Squires Gate Bootle v 1874 Northwich Colne v AFC Liverpool Stockport Sports v St Helens Town West Didsbury & Chorlton v Congleton Town

First Division Holker Old Boys P-P Ashton Town

Cheshire Senior Cup Barnton v Hyde FC

Wednesday 29th October 2014 Premier Division Bacup & Rossendale Borough 1-2 Nelson

Wednesday 5th November 2014 Cheshire Senior Cup Cheadle Town v Northwich Flixton Villa

First Division AFC Darwen 7-2 Wigan Robin Park Barnton 1-6 Cammell Laird 1907 Northwich Flixton Villa P-P Litherland REMYCA

Saturday 1st November 2014 Premier Division AFC Blackpool v Abbey Hey Alsager Town v Bacup & Rossendale Borough Barnoldswick Town v Stockport Sports Bootle v West Didsbury & Chorlton Congleton Town v Ashton Athletic Glossop North End v Winsford Town Maine Road v Runcorn Linnets Runcorn Town v Squires Gate Silsden v 1874 Northwich St Helens Town v Colne

Saturday 1st November 2014 F.A. Carlsberg Vase 1st Round AFC Darwen 2-0 Maine Road Bishop Auckland 3-0 Holker Old Boys Bootle 2-5 Barton Town Old Boys Colne 2-3 Shildon (AET 2-2 FT) Consett 2-1 Silsden Daisy Hill 0-8 Atherton Collieries Dronfield Town 2-1 Chadderton Ellistown & Ibstock United 2-1 Hanley Town St Helens Town 3-1 Yorkshire Amateur West Allotment Celtic 2-4 Runcorn Town West Didsbury & Chorlton 1-2 Glossop North End Winsford United 2-3 Tadcaster Albion

First Division AFC Darwen v Cheadle Town Atherton LR v Widnes Chadderton v Cammell Laird 1907 Holker Old Boys v Irlam Litherland REMYCA 1v Oldham Boro Northwich Flixton Villa v Daisy Hill Rochdale Town v Atherton Collieries

Premier Division Abbey Hey 2-4 Congleton Town AFC Liverpool 3-1 Barnoldswick Town Alsager Town 2-0 AFC Blackpool Bacup & Rossendale Borough 1-2 Ashton Athletic Squires Gate 3-2 Stockport Sports First Division Cheadle Town 3-4 Cammell Laird 1907 Irlam 4-1 Wigan Robin Park Litherland REMYCA 1-1 Atherton LR Northwich Flixton Villa 1-2 Barnton Widnes 1-2 Rochdale Town

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Friday 7th November When our Community Bonfire night is taking place.

Bring family and friends to an action packed night of fun, food and fireworks.

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 Tuesday 4th November 2014 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Congleton Town

White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

Yellow/Black Shirts, Yellow Shorts & Socks

G’keepers Daniel Lever 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

Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

Craig Ellison (GK) Christopher Middleton Lee Jackson Andrew Langford Andrew Alston Nathan Haynes Scott Sephton Ryan Allcock Ben Halfacre Nathan Ricketts-Hopkinson Paul John Hudson Scott Barlow Louis James Maculey Booth Liam Crellin-Myers Laurence James

Manager: Jim Vince Assistant: Steve Hardy

OFFICIALS Referee: Paul Ince Assistant Referees: Nigel Anderson and Bilal Moosa