Eccleshall FC vs Rocester FC

Eccleshall Football Club

Season 2022/23

Pershall Park, Chester Road, Eccleshall, Staffordshire ST21 6NE

Telephone 01785 851351 (match days only)

Legal Entity: Company limited by shares - Eccleshall Football Club Limited (c/n 13365015). Subsidiary of Eccleshall FC Sports Foundation Limited (c/n 13359263) - company limited by guarantee.

Club Officials:

Chairman: Neil Washington

Vice Chairman: Antony Johnson

Secretary: Jim Tunney

Treasurer: David Heelis

Programme Editor: Shaun Rogers

Clubhouse Management: Bill Grinham

Club Welfare Officer: Jim Tunney

Commercial Manager: Media Officer: Shaun Rogers

Directors

Neil Washington, Antony Johnson, Paul Cox, David Heelis, Bill Grinham, Richard Marsh, Jim Tunney.

Committee

John Martin, Colin Leese, Sid Kelly, Ernie Jackson, Diane Washington, Harvey Collins, Liz Leese, Andy Gough, Ben Gamble, Julie Clews, Barry Blenheim, Laura Sharratt, Tony Woolrich

Fundraising Sub-Committee

Neil Washington, Antony Johnson, John Martin, Jim Tunney, Colin Leese

First Team Management: Liam Kelly, Nathan Wilkes, Russell Rowley, Harry Pickering, Laura Machin

Junior Section

Chairman: Andy Gough

Secretary: Gareth Davies

U10s Kieron Healey

U13s Dave Hislop, Gaz Davis

U14s John Edensor, Nick Mobley

U16s Paul Heler, Mark Croxton, Henry Taylor

Members of the North West Counties League, Midland Junior Premier League, North Staffs Junior Youth League, Mid Staffs Junior League.

Affiliated

Staffordshire

FC

an

THE DUGOUT TVIEW HE DUGOUT VIEW

Good afternoon and welcome to today's league fixture against local neighbours Rocester FC. Despite Rocester's league position and start to the season, we won't be taking this game lightly after the tough battle we faced in the reverse fixture! A warm welcome also to the Eccleshall “old boys” (former players of the club) who are attending in numbers at today's game.

Since my last program notes we have progressed in The Macron Cup and The FA Vase. In between these fixtures, the lads made a really good account of themselves away at league leaders Stockport Town despite losing the game.

Last week's FA Vase win away at Newent Town FC was my proudest moment across my two spells as Eccleshall manager In the 90 minutes, I thought we were the better side and had the chances to kill the game. Our lack of composure was punished with a 90th minute equaliser The way the boys dusted themselves off to win on penalties again (our 4th shootout win of the season) was truly remarkable and shows the character in this group. All 18 lads played their part on the day and I’m sure there were a few sore heads on Sunday morning from the after game celebrations. This is the first time in 30 years that the club has been in the second round and it was clear to see how much it meant to the committee an

Thank you for your continued supp crowd numbers are increasing an and give you an Eccleshall team to

1973-74

1973-74

1975-76

1980-81

1981-82

1981-82

1982-82

1982-83

1983-84

1983-84

1983-84

1984-85

1986-87

1987-88

Rocester FC

Rocester F.C.’s lengthy history dates back to 1876 when a number of friendly matches were played against teams from the surrounding area.

As founder members of the Dove Valley League, Rocester played their first competitive football in the 1892-93 season, but it wasn’t until 1911 when the Ashbourne News Cup provided the club with its first ever trophy.

Several more honours followed during the 1920s and 1930s in local competitions before the club disbanded in 1939 due to the outbreak of World War II.

Reformed in 1946, Rocester were soon among the honours again, and a move into the Stafford Amateur League in 1953 brought unprecedented success when no less than eight trophies were won in just three seasons.

The club stepped up into the Staffordshire County League (North) in 1957, and remained in membership with varying degrees of success until the formation of the Staffordshire Senior league in 1984.

The appointment of retired Black Country businessman Don Hill as Chairman led to a rapid rise, and under the guidance of former player Alan Beaman the club won its first senior honours when both the Senior League title and the Staffordshire F.A. Vase were annexed in 1986. Further success followed in 1987 when the Senior League title was retained, and only a penalty shootout defeat in the Staffordshire F.A. Vase Final prevented a repeat of the ‘double’ achieved a year earlier.

1986-87 proved to be a memorable season in the F.A. Vase, which Rocester had entered for the first time. Starting in the Extra Preliminary, they reached the last 16, knocking out the holders and hot favourites Halesowen Town along the way before a club record attendance of 1,026 at Leek Town’s Harrison park ground.

During the summer of 1987 Rocester moved from their old home, in truth no more than a field with wooden changing rooms, to the present ground, named at the time as Riversfield. The new ground was built on the site of an ancient Roman fort, which led to the adoption of their nickname ‘The Romans’.

At the same time the club joined Division One of the West Midlands (Regional) League where they remained unbeaten in their first 22 games before going on to claim the championship with some ease. The Romans also won the League Cup and the Staffordshire F.A. Vase to complete a magnificent treble.

Rocester took their place in the Premier Division and following an initial mid-table finish they made a challenge for the title in 1989-90 only to be edged into 2nd place by Hinckley Town on goal-difference.

In 1994 Rocester became founder members of the Midland Football Alliance, and in 1998 claimed second place behind Bloxwich Town. However the following season promotion to the Southern League was achieved as MFA Champions. The ground, now renamed ‘Hillsfield’ in memory of Don Hill who died in 1996, had already met the required grade.

The Romans reached the Staffs Senior Cup final for the first time in 2001, but struggled in the Southern League until being relegated back into the Midland Alliance in 2003 after four seasons away. However that disappointment was quickly forgotten when the Midland Alliance title was won at the first attempt, this time with promotion into the Northern Premier League. The move north signalled a big downturn in fortunes and the Romans went through a complete season without a league victory in 2004-05.

Once again relegated back into the Midland Alliance, the downward trend proved difficult to reverse and although performances improved, it wasn't until January 2006 that the team finally recorded its first league win, a 3-1 success at Quorn, to end a run of 67 league games without a win. After finishing bottom, a second successive relegation was only avoided due to league restructuring.

After two disastrous years the club began to move forward again and a respectable 12th place finish was attained in 2006-07 along with a run to the 3rd Qualifying Round of the F.A. Cup where the Romans lost narrowly at Kettering Town in front of over 1000 spectators. The Romans continued to improve during 2007-08, and the season ended on a high when Kidsgrove Athletic were beaten 3-0 in the Staffs Senior Cup Final at Vale Park – the first and so far the only time Rocester have won the prestigious trophy.

Former player Dave Langston proved the most successful of several managers over the next seven years, but his departure in 2013 decimated the squad and a complete rebuild was required. Following a poor start the team failed to recover sufficiently, and after finishing in the bottom three the Romans were spared relegation only after Gornal Athletic were deducted points and Highgate United failed to attain the necessary ground-grading - meaning the club could begin the 2014-15 campaign in the Premier Division of the newly-formed Midland Football League.

Mark Wilson’s appointment as Manager in September 2014 saw fortunes improve dramatically, and in his first season in charge his team finished 12th and reached the final of the League Cup.

Wilson resigned in January 2015, but under his successor Danny Martin the club were relegated into the MFL Division 1 in 2017. Andy O’Connor returned to steady the ship before former player Paul Wright took charge in September 2019.

Following F.A. restructuring in the summer of 2021, the Romans were laterally moved into the North West Counties League Division One South, and begin a new chapter in their long history.

MATCH

Eccleshall made the journey to Gloucestershire for their Isuzu FA Vase First Round tie against Newent Town. Eagles were at full strength as Jordan Flattley returned to the starting line-up and had a good travelling support for the match. On 4 minutes, Mitch Glover spotted Newent keeper Kyran Edwards off his line and his shot from inside the halfway line was just over the bar. Both sides were sizing each other up in the early stages and on nine minutes, Lucas Green-Birch curled a shot just wide of the post. In reply, Town’s Jake Bevan moved down the right, but his effort was over the bar. Eagles were slowly taking the game to the home side and on 27 minutes, Edwards had to race out to clear as Ryanjay Malbon ran through. Callum Feeney then found Lewis Dunn running down the left and his effort was cleared for a corner from which Malbon fired over. A Glover free kick was just over the bar before Dunn had another effort blocked. Newent mounted late attacks as the half ticked away and Tyler Weir’s angled shot brought a good save from Eagles ‘keeper Aaron Woolrich.

HT: Newent Town 0 Eccleshall 0

An early Flattley free kick was headed wide by Aidan Blaise before Eagles took the lead on 48 minutes. Malbon ran on to a Green-Birch header and Edwards brought him down in the box. Jordan Benton stepped up to net the penalty. Newent came back and Jordan Cooper’s shot was deflected wide by Woolrich. Moments later, a Finley Jones shot was superbly tipped over the bar by the Eagles ‘keeper. Malbon was proving to be a real thorn in Newent’s side and had two close efforts on goal. Back came the home side and a free kick by Saul Thomas was tipped over the bar by Woolrich and, from the corner, Elliott Dale headed just wide. After Jack Flanaghan was brought on for Jordan Darlington, Eagles had the best chance to double their lead when a GreenBirch shot was blocked by Edwards and Glover blazed over when it was easier to score. Louis Downs came on for Glover and was soon in the action before Luke Lewis replaced Green-Birch. Late Newent pressure for an equaliser led to Cooper heading over in added time. Just when it looked as though Eagles were going to see the game out, Feeney sliced a clearance and Cooper pounced in the 92nd minute to fire over Woolrich into the far corner for the equaliser. The final whistle went almost straight away. For the second Vase match in a row, it was now down to penalties.

FT: Newent Town 1 Eccleshall 1

Eagles were up first with a large group of home supporters behind the goal, but Downs netted confidently, sending Edwards the wrong way. Jones equalised before Flattley put Eagles back in front. George Watkins levelled again with Benton then netting. Bevan had his spot kick well saved by Woolrich before Oliver Hickman stepped up to put Eagles in the driving seat. Weir sent Woolrich the wrong way and it was left to Malbon to fire past Edwards to make it five out of five and put Eccleshall in the Second Round for the first time in 31 years as well as picking up the £825 prize money. They are certainly testing the nerves of their supporters, who are now looking forward to the draw for the next round.

Eagles: Woolrich, Darlington (Flanaghan), Dunn, Hickman, Blaise, Feeney, Benton, Flattley, Malbon, Green-Birch (Lewis), Glover (Downs). Unused subs: Atton, Taylor, Groom, Woodroffe.

Referee: Mr Ben Boardman

ECCYS BITS & PIECES

Jake Standbridge plaque

At our last home match against Cheadle Heath Nomads, we held a minute’s applause before the kick-off in memory of our late midfield player, Jake Standbridge, who we sadly lost four years ago. Before the game, Jake’s dad, Brian, delivered a memorial plaque and this has now been put up in our club room by Neil and Bill. Brian has been very supportive in our moves to build a 50seater stand as a lasting memorial to Jake and we hope that planning permission will be granted soon for the work to get under way.

ECCYS

FA Vase – Second Round

Following our penalty shoot-out win in the first round of the FA Vase at Newent Town last Saturday, it was interesting to see that the FA Vase Factfile posted the following message on their social media:

“Congrats on your #FA Vase penalties win today and on equalling your best ever run by making 2nd Rd for first time in 31 years (20 campaigns)”.

This season, our results in the Vase have been: Rugby Borough (h) – won 2-0 Hereford Lads Club (a) – drew 3-3 (won on penalties 3-2) Newent Town (a) – drew 1-1 (won 5-3 on penalties)

After Monday’s draw, we now face Coventry Sphinx at Pershall Park on Saturday 12. November. They currently lie in second place in the Uhlsport United Counties League Premier Division South (Step 5).

With this in mind, I cast my mind back to the 1991 / 92 season when we last reached the second round. At that time, we were playing in the Sportscene International Staffordshire Senior League, and we were around midtable very much like this season. The draws at that time were kind to us and all the ties were at home. Our results at that time leading to the second round were: Hamlet S&L (from Kettering) (h) – won 3-1 Wolverhampton Casuals (h) – won 2-1 Halesowen Harriers (h) – won 4-2

The second-round draw brought Wisbech Town of the Jewson Eastern Counties League to Pershall Park, and both the ground and facilities were very much different to those we have today. Temporary arrangements were put in place for the match and the local press gave us excellent coverage and a high profile over and above that usually saved for Stafford Rangers. Unfortunately, our Vase run came to an end that day as we lost 2-0 to our higher league visitors in front of a then record attendance of 368 at our ground.

The photos show the team from that day and also the squad from last Saturday’s match at Newent Town.

Aaron Woolrich

Aiden Blaise

Callum Feeney

Daniel Taylor

Alexander Atton Luke Lewis

Lewis Dunn

Joseph Griffiths

Ethan Stanton

Jordan Darlington

Mitchell Glover Connor Jones

sponsored by Terry & Dorothy Steele sponsored by RICHARD MARSH

sponsored by Tony Woolrich & Andy Withey

Jordan Benton

Ben

Louis

Jordan Flattley

Nathan Wilkes

Pickering

Harvey

Howsons is a firm of chartered accountants with a refreshingly forward-thinking outlook informed by our active involvement at the forefront of the profession. Our enthusiastic and dedicated teams in audit, tax, agriculture and general practice blend experience of our directors with the vitality of our trainees to deliver high levels of service that is bespoke to each and every client. As proud as we are of our history, we are true to our mission, vision and values. It is part of what makes us different.

AARON WOOLRICH

ALEXANDER ATTON

EDEN JOHNSON

CALLUM FEENEY

LEWIS DUNN

MAX RAINE

ETHAN STANTON

MITCHELL GLOVER AIDEN BLAISE LUKE LEWIS OLI HICKMAN

DANIEL TAYLOR

JOSEPH GRIFFITHS

JORDAN DARLINGTON

CONNOR JONES

JORDAN BENTON LUCAS GREEN BIRCH GEORGE WOODROFFE

LOUIS DOWNS MARK GROOM

CALLUM MIDDLETON

BENJAMIN CHESTERS ASHLEY COLCLOUGH JACK FLANAGHAN

JAMES SUTTON

JORDAN FLATTLEY

RYAN PICKUP

LAURENCE KENNERSON GK

CHARLIE WOOD GK

LUKE ZONA © HARRY PAYNE TOM RILEY

GREGORY LARGE RHIAN GRAHAM MATT NUTT

DARREN BULLOCK

ASHLEY ELLIOT

OLIVER GRIFFITHS WILL BURROWS

WARREN LOMAS

LUKE COTTON

JOE REDGATE KYLE WADSWORTH

CONNOR MASON CALLUM NIVEN SAM BATES OLLIE HETHERINGTON

JOE PAYNE SCOTT STANILAND REGAN UPTON SAM GRIFFITHS MATT KING CALLUM RIDDELL BEN MILLER HARRY PAYNE SAM PERRIN BRANDON PATTERSON DEAN BROMLEY

Jacob Widdowson

Peter Currah-Hall

Carl Arrowsmith

Manager