West Didsbury & Chorlton v Runcorn Town

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

NWCFL Premier Division

Runcorn Town Tuesday 12th August – 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

Dave Cooper 07961 063195

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

Head of Fundraising

Physio

Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Paddy Murphy

Community Development

‘A’ Team Manager

Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Treasurer

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

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

EDITORIAL

Runcorn Town

WELCOME TO RUNCORN TOWN Welcome to The Recreation Ground for this evening’s encounter with Runcorn Town. Our visitors tonight were one of the best teams we played against last season and in both league fixtures we had to raise our game to match them and secure narrow 1-0 victories. The first win in the game at Runcorn was due to an outstanding string of saves in a man of the match performance from Ben Simpson in goal and the follow up home victory late in the season was simply because the visitors made one mistake and our defence remained intact. Both games saw some excellent free flowing football from both teams and if we get that again this evening we’re in for another treat. We welcome the players, club officials and supporters of Runcorn tonight and trust they have a safe trip back down the M56 after the game.

EARLY SEASON FORM After the first 3 games we sit in 7th place going into tonight’s game, a few places higher than our finishing position of last season. There is enough evidence from our games so far to suggest a good season if we can maintain momentum and put away our chances, a failing which cost us last season and again last Saturday. We were unfortunate not to take at least a point against Ashton Athletic in a game when we had all the early play. Jordan Hitchen in goal was a virtual spectator and when Lee Malkin was pulled down for a penalty it looked odds on we’d take the lead. Unfortunately Rick’s spot kick lacked the power to beat an excellent Ashton keeper who was their man of the match, pulling off a couple of incredible saves at the start of the second half when the scores were still level. The visitors nicked the points with a clever free kick and the second with virtually the last kick of the game as we threw everyone forward to try to get back on terms.

The visiting club officials from Ashton correctly summed up their visit as a smash and grab raid and the match officials were very complementary about the way we tried to play from the back and through midfield throughout the game.

Runcorn Town started the season with a late equaliser in a 1-1 away draw at newly promoted Nelson and again came from 1-2 behind at the break to defeat Alsager Town 3-2 at home last Tuesday evening. Last Saturday they looked on course for another 3 points when taking an early lead at home to Bacup and Rossendale but the visitors had other ideas and equalised 10 minutes later, went 2-1 up at half time and then added another two second half goals to record their first win of the season.

Despite the season being a week old, only three sides in the Premier Division maintained their 100 per cent records on Saturday. Glossop North End lead the embryonic table after a narrow 1-0 win over AFC Blackpool. Last season's runners up, Runcorn Linnets, are second on goal difference after a thumping 5-0 win at Abbey Hey, which left the home side holding up the rest of table. 1874 Northwich are the only other side not to drop any points after a 3-1 win at home to Barnoldswick Town, although they have played a game less following their midweek abandoned match due to floodlight failure.

NEXT WEEK’S VISITORS We have no games here this weekend as a result of our walkover in the FA Cup and the reserves opening home game in the Cheshire League having been postponed.

Next Tuesday 19th August at 7.45pm we entertain the early season form team and league leaders Glossop North End. ENJOY THIS EVENING and we look forward to seeing you again next Tuesday evening at the same time.

Rob Turley Cover picture: Mark Rogers in action before his horrific injury, we wish Mark a speedy recovery and will update you on his progress.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout…

On Tuesday night we faced a tough and physical challenge in the form of Winsford and we stood up to the test when, last season, we might not have done. We scored directly from a corner to give us a deserved lead before they gifted us a goal but Lewis Schofield’s goal was as good a finish as I’ve ever seen. To have the ability on the run to look up and chip a ball over the goalkeeper from almost 40 yards was simply astonishing and an early contender for goal of the season.

On Saturday we faced an impressive Ashton Athletic side and we came away with a disappointing 0-2 loss. We started the game brightly and played some great stuff around the box but once the penalty was missed we regressed and never really recovered. In the second half we had a brilliant chance to take the lead but didn’t and we were immediately punished. The second goal made the game look less close than it really was but Ashton deserved their three points by their ability to take their chances.

Today we welcome Runcorn Town back to the recreation ground whom we’ve enjoyed some success against in our previous two encounters. We travelled to the Pavillions on a beautiful sunny September Saturday last year and took on a side who was scoring four goals a game at the time, after some early pressure we took the lead after Rick Gleave poked home after some good centre forward play from Tommy Walsh. We more than held our own for long spells of the game but secured three points thanks to several top class saves from Ben Simpson.

We met again at home before Christmas an in another time encounter scored an early goal and held onto that lead in one of our best performances last season despite playing with 10 men for more than half an hour. What both those games have told us is that we have to be at our best in these games to get a result and no-one is going to gift us points.

Enjoy the game.

Andy Nelson

Andy pictured after a training session with some of the clubs coaches.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

ASHTON SMASH AND GRAB RAID NICKS THE POINTS Saturday 9th August West 0 Ashton Athletic 2 WEST started well on the back of the composed and confidence building midweek victory over Winsford United and had Ashton Athletic on the rack and pinned in their own half for most of the first period. The only thing lacking was the recurring problem of putting the ball in the back of the net again returning to haunt the home side. Ten minutes into the game Lee Malkin turned his marker in the area and the ensuing poor tackle resulted in the referee awarding the penalty. Up stepped Rick Gleave with one conversion under his belt already from the away game at Barnoldswick, but this time his shot on target lacked the power to beat the visiting goalkeeper Lever, who made an athletic save to keep the scores level. WEST kept plugging away but as half time approached the quality and accuracy of passing declined as the ball was given away too often and a few players were trying too hard and taking far too many touches. Ashton defended well but offered little real threat going forward and Hitchen in the West goal was left untroubled for most of the first half.

The second half started with a bang with WEST out of the blocks at a terrific pace as Bryson raced clear down the right flank to fire in a low cross which Gleave cracked on target only for the keeper to make a terrific reflex save. The ball rebounded towards the penalty spot and after another couple of efforts cannoned off defenders the ball was scrambled clear. West still pressed forward but as the game progressed there were a few signs that the efforts and intensity of the Winsford game had taken its toll. One or two looked leggy and tired and West gave debuts to Callagher and new signing Tandy in an attempt to freshen things up and gain a breakthrough. The approach play was still tidy but the final pass went astray too often.

When WEST got men into wide positions the ball into the danger area was just not fast enough to trouble the Ashton defence which held firm.

Just before the hour mark the inevitable happened when Ashton scored against the run of play. A quick free kick from the left flank saw the West defence off guard to leave Ashton’s Midgeley unmarked to score with a free header which he flicked over the stranded Hitchen.

West tried to respond and get back on terms but the nearest effort was from Lewis Schofield who finished a good run across the edge of the area with a fierce rising drive which went just over the bar. In the last 5 minutes West forced a series of corners but just couldn’t get past the capable Ashton defence and then the visitors rubbed salt in the wound with a second goal in the final minute. This time West were caught in possession leaving a two on one situation on the break against Hitchen and Ashton substitute Walsh had the easy task of slotting into an open goal.

A very frustrating afternoon for the home side when WEST paid a heavy price for missed chances at one end and a couple of basic defensive lapses at the other, with the visiting goal keeper ‘man of the match’.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Recent Match Action…

Pictures courtesy of Pete Barton Photography

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

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

History‌

Runcorn Town

Runcorn Town were formed in 1967 under the name of Mond Rangers FC. They played for the first few years in the Runcorn Sunday league, and in 1973 they made the decision to try Saturday football in the impressive Warrington and District League (WDL).

In their first season they finished as runners up, and after amalgamating with ICI Weston for the 1974/75 season, they became one of the strongest sides in the league. They remained in the WDL until 1984 when they were elected to join the West Cheshire League (WCL) Division Two. Mond established themselves as a good, solid mid-table team until the 1991/92 season when they won their first silverware in the West Cheshire Bowl as well as a respectable sixth place finish. The following season they finished third in the league and reached the Bowl final, with another third place finish the following season in which they scored 100 goals and regaining the Bowl. Promotion finally came in 1994/95 when they finished second in the league scoring 118 goals. They also reached the Final of the Cheshire Amateur Cup but lost to Poulton Victoria in a match played at Prenton Park, Tranmere.

Despite sharing the Bill Weight Memorial Trophy in that first season, Division One proved a struggle and they were relegated for the first time in the clubs history in 2001/02. Success returned in 2004/05 with the team finishing as runners up in Division Two, winning the Runcorn Senior Cup and reaching the final of the Bowl.

Ahead of the 2005/06 season, the club changed their name to Runcorn Town in order to try and bring a more professional look to the club in general, and hopefully increase support from both businesses and individuals in the local community. A decision was also made to try and improve facilities at the club with a view to joining the North West Counties League.

The season got off to a good start with the Bill Weight Memorial Cup won early on and the Runcorn Cup added, but on the final day of the season, they slipped into the relegation places for the first time to suffer a heart-breaking relegation. Town quickly regrouped and bounced back the next season by winning Division Two for the first time.

The following three seasons saw top four finishes, although the main progression was off the field as the ground was transformed. Hard standing, seating and floodlights were installed for the first time, with the dressing rooms also upgraded. This enabled the club to be elected to the North West Counties League at the start of the 2010/11 season, with the club also entering the FA Vase and the Cheshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history.

It is fair to say that the first season in the league exceeded all expectations, with the team losing just two league matches as they secured promotion to the Premier Division as runners-up, with James McShane finishing as the league's overall leading scorer with 43 goals. The Quarter Final of the Division One Trophy was also reached as well as the Semi Final of the Challenge Cup, whilst Warrington Town were held in the Cheshire Senior Cup before losing on penalties.

In the clubs' FA Vase debut season, the club also wrote headlines as they progressed through four successive away ties before bowing out in the in the Last 32 stage against Dunston UTS, the last remaining North West Counties League side in the competition.

The first season in the Premier Division saw Town continue in the same vein that they left Division One, with the team losing out on the title on the last day of the season to Ramsbottom United. James McShane once again topped the scoring charts with Town scoring over 120 goals in all competitions.

The club were also once again the last remaining NWCL side in the FA Vase, this time reaching a replay in the Last 32 before bowing out. We also made our debut in the FA Cup, winning two games before bowing out in the 1st Qualifying Round to Evo-Stik League side Ashton United.

Last season was another good season for the club, finishing in fourth place in the Premier Division just four points off top spot. Progress was made in the FA Vase with the Last 16 reached for the first time, with the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Vase made once more. Another good scalp came in the Cheshire Senior Cup with a 5-0 away win at Warrington which earned the "Team of the Round" award.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

In the League Challenge Cup West were drawn away in the second round at either Ashton Town or Chadderton to be played on Saturday 25th October. The two sides will meet at The Hardwick Group Stadium on Saturday 20th September.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

The next games at Brookburn Road…

First Team games: Tuesday August 19th – 7.45pm v Glossop North End Saturday August 30th – 3.00pm v Brighouse Town – FA Cup WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Terrace…

So here we are, the second of four home games on the trot and to be honest were already running on fumes. The league decided to start a week earlier than most other Step 5/6 leagues this season and, credit to them, its worked out brilliantly as its seen clubs really draw some brilliant crowds.

On the opening day the stand out crowd was undoubtedly the 352 supporters that crammed themselves into AFC Blackpool’s ground to see them take on 1874 Northwich. If you consider that the old Vics fans looking to get themselves to a game there was 197 for Silsden v Abbey Hey, 120 for Bacup v Glossop North End and for our near neighbours Maine Road who drew a brilliant 120 against St Helens Town.

The good crowds didn’t end on the opening day either as on Monday night every man and his dog, myself included, went to Alder House to see Atherton Collieries latest assault on the First Division title, defeating Wigan Robin Park 5-1 in front of a packed out 197 plus half the league committee.

For any clubs looking to create a great match day experience and draw more people to their games, Atherton Colleries are a perfect example to follow.

Between their secretary Emil Anderson and their media secretary Joe Gibbons they’ve created a real buzz around their club in the last couple of years between social media, their presence in the local media and the counties website where Emil’s blog is the highlight of the week.

On Wednesday night, AFC Liverpool opened their account at their new home with another impressive crowd of 182 which was a massive 50% increase on their average last season.

As a club they made the decision to leave Prescot Cables, a ground that many supporters in the NWCFL will say is their favourite to visit due to the huge old fashioned main stand and move closer to the centre of Liverpool taking up a ground-share with Marine FC at the Arriva Stadium.

All the attendances show that the quality of the football and profile of the league has the quality of any other in the pyramid and its sure to be an excellent season.

Rob McKay WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

FA Cup, Vase and Youth Cup draws - 2014/15

The Roads to Wembley begin for another year at West as the draws for first qualifying rounds of both the FA Cup and the FA Vase. In addition to West’s Youth Team will enter the FA Youth Cup for the first time ever.

FA Cup In the FA Cup West will face reigning NCEL Champions Brighouse Town at home on Saturday 30th August. Brighouse were crowned champions of the NCEL amassing an incredible 101 points and scoring 138 goals and now reside in the Evo-Stik First Division North. The winner will receive £1,925 form the FA Prize Fund.

The winners of that tie will then face Ashton United in the 1st Qualifying Round at home on Saturday 13th September with the winner receiving £3,000 in prize money.

FA Vase In the FA Vase West receive a bye into the second qualifying round of the competition where they will face the winners of Rossington Main v AFC Blackpool. Rossington Main, of the NCEL First Division, and AFC Blackpool, NWCFL Premier Division, will face each other on Saturday 6 th September before West take on the winners at Brookburn Road on Saturday 4th October. West previously faced Rossington in the Vase year with West scoring a late Lewis Schofield winner to secure a 2-1 victory and West’s first ever FA Vase win.

FA Youth Cup For the first time in their history West have entered a team into the FA Youth Cup and will face Wrexham away in the First Qualifying Round to be played in the week commencing Monday 22nd September 2014. This comes hot on the heels after the club’s youth team were accepted in the first division of the North West Youth Alliance.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Early Premier League Table after games on Saturday 9th August

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Statistics 09.08.2014

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Statistics 06.08.2014

The 200 Club is a key source of revenue for club, would you like the chance to be winner.

Why wait? For a monthly subscription of just £2 you will be in the next draw and could win up to £100.

Please ask in the clubhouse for more details.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Join the action and support your local team‌ Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse to get the number you want, there are only 16 shirts so don’t hang around! Already some numbers have been taken!! Picture by James Lobley

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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 12th August 2014 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Runcorn Town

White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks G’keepers Ben Simpson Jordan Hitchen Defenders Callum Jones Scott Jones Richmond Botchey Sam Dee Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Kial Gallagher Midfield Alex Baird Danny Summers Mike Taylor Jordan Poole Gary Lilley Lewis Schofield Steve Settle Scott Mason Rick Gleave Forwards Sam Mitten Jerome Bryson Lee Malkin James Tandy Jonathan Poizer

Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts & Blue Socks Hayden Buckley-Smith (GK) Stuart Plant (GK) Thomas Spearitt Paul Shanley Daniel Salt Sean Breen Mark Keddie Darren Kinsey Andrew Potter Lee Roberts John Shakeshaft Luke Gibson Daniel Clarke Chris Thompson Jack Webb Jack Irlam Samuel Houghton Craig Hoyland Simon Burton

Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

Manager: Simon Burton Assistant: Daniel Salt

OFFICIALS Referee: Kelvin Sarsfield Assistant Referees: Ian Walsh and Ainsley Sawicz