West Didsbury & Chorlton v Barnoldswick town

Complementary mulled wine and mince pies at half time (by showing the programme in the club house)

2013/14 SEASON

MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2

Main Club Sponsor:

Premier Division 21 December 2013 – 3.00pm

Barnoldswick Town

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) Kit Manager: Jon Barton

Club Secretary

Reserve Team

Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441

Manager: Robert Madden 07730 655446 Asst Manager: Jim Hines

Membership Secretary

Club Coaches

Chairman

Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Treasurer

Kris Mahon – 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 Managers Chris Smith 07867 171815 Steve Fisher 07595 678937

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.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FF

Editorial

Barnoldswick Town

Welcome to The Recreation Ground today for our last home fixture of 2013, This is another ‘first’ with the visit of Barnoldswick for the first ever game between our two clubs, leaving aside a couple of reserve team fixtures. The players, officials of ‘Barlick’ are very welcome here today and we look forward to an entertaining game between two teams now sitting in the middle pack of teams in what is proving to be an unpredictable season. This edited summary from the latest league newsletter aptly summarises the current position: ‘Once again the topsy turvey nature of the Premier Division title race threw up a few surprises last Saturday, none more than Alsager Town winning 3-0 at league leaders Runcorn Town, who now only hold a one point lead at the top. It is local rivals Runcorn Linnets who are gaining momentum and took full advantage of Town's loss with a 3-0 win at Stockport Sports to move into second spot with three games in hand. Maine Road slipped to third after a 1-1 draw at home to Glossop North End, with Bootle earning a 1-0 victory at Bacup & Rossendale Borough to stay fourth.

Norton United remain fifth after a 4-2 victory at AFC Blackpool, and a last minute Abbey Hey goal denied visitors AFC Liverpool a victory which would have seen them move up into fifth spot but they had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Ashton Athletic maintained their good run of form which has seen them win five on the bounce, when they won 3-0 at home to Barnoldswick Town. Although now ten points behind Runcorn Town in seventh spot, Athletic do have two games in hand and on current form you wouldn't bet against them challenging the leading pack. Colne also secured three points with a comfortable 4-0 home victory over Squires Gate to remain level on points with Ashton Athletic in eighth spot.

Elsewhere, Winsford United won 3-1 at home to basement side Wigan Robin Park to move Winsford out of the relegation position and Silsden earned a 1-0 win at home to St Helens Town.

The game between Congleton Town and West Didsbury & Chorlton was abandoned at half time due to a floodlight failure with West leading 1-0.’

After the disappointment of our last home game when we lost to a late goal against St Helens in a match when we created enough chances to win comfortably, the team responded with an excellent away performance and a hard earned point away at high flying Runcorn Linnets. The next away game at Abbey Hey was a poor show when we again dominated possession, gave away a needless penalty and then drew level only to throw away the points with a very messy goal in added time. If only we had seen out those games against St Helens and Abbey Hey with the same concentration we showed at Runcorn!

Last Saturday we travelled to Congleton Town, fresh from the victory which makes them the Leagues last remaining team in this season’s FA Vase. Andy made a few changes to the team and for 45 minutes we were by far the better team, had a good ‘goal’ ruled out for a mysterious offside and then took a deserved lead 10 minutes before half time. One of the Congleton floodlights then failed and the referee abandoned the game at half time. Enough said.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR FIXTURES Our next game is away at Maine Road on Boxing Day at 2pm when we make the short trip across Chorlton for our first ‘derby’ of this season. There are no games on Sat 28th December and the next home fixture is on Sat 4th January when we host Wigan Robin Park.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2013 This season our average attendance has again increased and we are very grateful to all of you who support the club on a regular basis. As we look back over the last year, and indeed the last few seasons since our Manchester League Division One days, we have begun to build a core of regular friends and supporters. On behalf of everyone at the club, thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to seeing you again on 4th January for first home game of 2014.

ENJOY THE GAME TODAY, HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY HOME AFTERWARDS AND FINALLY …

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL Rob Turley WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

View from the Dugout I would like to wish all our supporters as well as the players, officials and supporters of Barnoldswick Town a warm welcome to today’s final game of 2013.

Even by our own standards we’ve had a rollercoaster couple of weeks at West Didsbury since my last managers’ notes. On that afternoon we faced at St Helens side who were unbeaten in over a dozen games and, although we threw the kitchen sink at them, were undone by clinical finishing from St Helens. Although it was disappointing to throw away points at home in the way we did when I look back at it in context it’s quite incredible to think that we are 18 months removed from being a Manchester League side.

We travelled to Runcorn Linnets on the Tuesday night afterwards and I’ll have to ask you to defer to my assistants as to how the game went on as goalkeeping coach Tony Holmes, reserve team coach Joel Hudson and I were stranded due to a pair of punctures. Fortunately in my absence Steve Settle stepped forward and led the team which I’m more than confident won’t be for the last time in his West Didsbury career. I’m very pleased that we were able to come away from a place like Runcorn with a point and the fact that the Linnets supporters clapped us off at the end tells you everything they need to know about how we played. They might not lend us some warm up balls next time.

Unfortunately we couldn’t carry on our momentum into the weekend as I thought we put in our worst display of the season at Abbey Hey against a side we had comfortably beaten in the FA Cup in August. It was a game of few positives with the exception of a couple of excellent saves from Ben Simpson and Sam Mitten’s first West goal.

We were looking for a reaction away at Congleton Town and we got one having taken a deserved lead into half time in that game when the floodlights failed. It’s disappointing not to see the game through to the end but it was done in the interest of the safety of the players and that is fully understandable.

After today we will be able to look back and reflect back on an incredible 2013 that saw us not only cement our place in the North West Counties, but earn promotion to the Premier Division, collect the 1st Division Trophy and enter the FA Cup for the first time in the clubs history. We’ve also been blessed with a lot of talented players who are all at the club for the right reasons and we’ve more than held our own in this division which gives us plenty to build on in 2014.

Enjoy the game…Andy Nelson We are on the lookout for Club Helpers. CAN YOU HELP? Our club is 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 contact us at www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton Or contact the secretary, Rob Turley on 07891 298441 or e-mail to: rob.turley@btinternet.com

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.

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

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.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton 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

First Team Match Reports…

Saturday 30 November: West 1 St Helens Town 2 Missed chances proved costly for West as they missed an opportunity to extend their five game unbeaten run with a 2-1 home defeat to St Helens Town.

West got off to a flying start and dominated the game in the opening stages with debutant Matt Greenwood showing great pace and skill to cause havoc for the visiting full back In the opening minute Greenwood combined with Tre Baldwin Willis to round the goalkeeper but shot just wide with the goal beckoning. Scott Jones followed with effort cleared away for a corner before Rick Gleave fired wide. West then thought they had broken the deadlock when Tommy Walsh fired home but was flagged for offside. Walsh then had his sides’ best chance of the half when he headed a superb cross

by Baldwin-Willis inches wide.

As the visitors began to find their feet the game began to even out with the next effort from the visitors, a free kick from 25 yards, well saved by Paul Hughes. West replied with another attack when Rick Gleave sent a dangerous ball across goal which was picked up by Baldwin-Willis who whipped the ball back into the danger area but couldn’t find Walsh to get on the end of it. As half time approached West were caught in possession just outside the area and a quick one two sent Andrew Gillespie in on goal to score with a right foot drive giving Hughes no chance and the Saints the half time lead.

The second period opened in much the same fashion as the first with Gleave instrumental in playing in Greenwood who fired inches over from 10 yards immediately from the kick. From the goal kick West won back possession and Baldwin-Willis broke past his man down the right flank only for his low cross to be turned inches wide by the incoming Greenwood. On 63 minutes West got back on level terms when a brilliant Scott Mason free kick was only partially cleared and Anthony Potts was on hand to lash the ball high into the net.

Sam Mitten went close to putting West ahead but his shot went just over. Then on 83 minutes St Helens broke down the left to cross the ball into the area where West failed to clear the danger allowing Nathan Parish to rifle home the winner from close range and secure all three points for St Helens Town.

Tuesday 3 December: Runcorn Linnets 0 West 0 West put in one of the best defensive displays of recent seasons to deny high flying Runcorn Linnets and gain a hard earned point in front of a bumper midweek crowd of almost 300.

The home side had the first opening but the end result was a tame effort scuffed straight at Ben Simpson. West responded with a flowing 3 man move after 7 minutes when Tre Baldwin Willis played in Rick Gleave with Karl Dorney who were two on one against the last man only for Karl to stray offside at the vital moment. Runcorn were finding it hard to create openings against a well organised West defence but on 20 minutes had a great chance when they got wide down the right flank and the resulting cross flashed across the 6 yard line with no one on hand to convert what turned out to be the best chance of the first half.

Although Linnets had the bulk of possession West looked dangerous on the break and just before half time a snap shot from Rick Gleave beat the home keeper only to rebound clear off the post.

West started the second period on the front foot with Dorney again unlucky with great through ball straight from the resumption. Tommy Walsh then turned inside and hit a fierce drive just over the bar with the keeper stranded and this was followed by another good attack down the left ending with a Scott Jones cross which the keeper did well to claim. Linnets went close on the hour when the ball

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Runcorn Linnets 0 West 0 continued… came back off the post and the follow up effort was blocked by the fearless Simpson, resulting in a period of treatment for the West No1. Rick Gleave fired another free kick just wide and then on 75 minutes West had the chance of the night when Tommy Walsh was just wide of the mark after a surging run by Mark Rogers.

The closing 10 minutes saw Linnets throw everything at West and arguably should have had a penalty after a clumsy challenge on the edge of the area. The referee was unmoved as the home support and bench became more and more frustrated and West stood firm with captain courageous Rogers, Potts and Baird all taking their turn to put their bodies on the line with some terrific blocks and last ditch clearances. At the final whistle the home fans gathered to applaud their team off the pitch first, then berate the unfortunate referee and assistants before sportingly staying on to warmly applaud and congratulate the West contingent when they left the pitch last. A very sporting gesture from a very hospitable club.

Saturday 7 December: Abbey Hey 2 West 1 West started positively against a much changed Abbey Hey side from last season with Karl Dorney putting the first clear cut chance over the bar, only to be quickly followed by an Alex Baird header which suffered the same fate. Sam Mitten went close after 16 minutes and a minute later Tommy Walsh laid the ball back to Woody whose attempt to find the top corner again went just over the bar.

Abbey Heys first serious attempt at goal came after 27 minutes with a first time effort just wide of the right hand post. West should have been ahead after 30 minutes when Sam Mitten and Scott Jones combined well down the left and as the keeper spilled the Jones effort Tommy Walsh stabbed the ball home only for the offside flag to be raised. The final 15 minutes of the first half saw further chances go begging with Callum Jones heading just over and then providing the assist to Karl Dorney who was wide of the target. A very frustrating end to a half in which West dominated possession as the home side sat back and blunted most of the attacking efforts to ensure the teams turned round on level terms.

The second period was little better than the first and things got worse soon after the interval when a needless challenge at the junction of goal line and penalty area saw the assistant put his flag across his chest and Abbey Hey take the lead from the resultant spot kick. West were struggling to get back on top and almost went further behind when the home winger broke clear only to fire over the bar.

Summers and Greenwood were then introduced as Dorney and Woodcock gave way and West were nearly back level after 62 minutes when two last ditch clearances off the line from Greenwood and Baird kept the home side in front. West drew level with 20 minutes left when Summers crossed the ball into the box first time where it was headed on to Mitten who finished well from close range.

Steve Settle then replaced Mitten and, as West pushed on looking for all 3 points, another effort was cleared off the Abbey Hey line with the keeper beaten and then Baird again headed over from an inswinging Mason corner. That was that in terms of chances to finish things off and then in the last minute West were awarded a throw in midway inside the defending half. The ball was thrown inside and backwards towards the West goal rather than down the line and forward from any possible danger. Two touches later and Abbey Hey were in on goal and despite a heroic first block from Simpson the loose ball was hammered home from the rebound to give the home side all 3 points.

That was that with West left to rue the many missed chances and some poor judgments which proved to be decisive and very costly.

Saturday 14 December: Congleton Town 0 West 1 – (Abandon at HT) West travelled to Congleton Town, the League last representatives in the FA Vase this season, for the third successive away fixture so far in December only for the game to be abandoned at half time due to a floodlight failure with one of the floodlight columns. As this game will now be replayed it is rather pointless recording any match details such as the disallowed Scott Jones ‘goal’ after 32 minutes or the Graham Kay header which gave West a 1-0 lead after 36 minutes which was comfortably intact at half time; largely because West played some great flowing football and Congleton managed one shot on target during the first 45 minutes.

During the interval there was a pitch inspection and consultation involving both secretaries, referee, assistants and both team managers. The failed floodlight meant that one corner of the ground would have been very dark and in the interests of player safety the game was abandoned and will now be rearranged.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Reserve Team Match Report‌ Saturday 14 December: West 3 Irlam FC 1 Irlam were the latest visitors to the Recreation Ground and with West loosing the last three games they were in danger of their season falling apart.

On a pitch that was heavy with all the rain West started the better, moving the ball quickly and challenging for everything. With only 2 minutes gone Shackeel Depeiaza was put through on goal, the keeper making a good one handed save. This save seemed to spur Irlam on and they seemed to have scored in the 8th minute when they broke down the West left, the ball was played into the box for the striker to place the ball in the net only for the goal to be ruled offside. Irlam broke again with their next attack with the Irlam player going down in the box and the referee awarding West a free kick for diving. In the 15 minute Irlam finally scored when they played a long ball over the top of the West defence for the striker to run onto and put the ball past a stranded Paul Hughes in the West goal.

Loosing 0-1 West heads could have gone down but they didn't and the continued to search for an equalizer which came in the 20th minute when the Irlam keeper made two saves the first from Shackeel which rebounded to Mathew Zajac, the ball was again saved by the keeper and then finally put in the net from 10 yards by Chris Smith scoring his first goal for West.

The remaining 25 minutes of the half was end to end stuff with both keepers making good saves to keep the score 1-1 at half time.

As the second half started the wind picked up blowing towards the West goal, giving Irlam a strong advantage. It took west 15 minutes to cope with the change in the weather, but then began to get a foothold on the game. Tom Webb took control of the midfield and started to play some telling passes through the Irlam defence. In the 25th minute the ball was played into the Irlam box, Mat Zajac collected the loose ball and with his back to goal turned, which wrong footed the Irlam centre back and shot the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make the score 2-1.

Irlam continued to push forward and 5 minutes after West scored, Irlam had a free kick which they swung into the box forcing Paul Hughes to make a very good one handed save to put the ball over the bar.

With the introduction of Carl Worthington and Ryse Bailey-Morton both in attacking rolls and Gary Lilley in midfield West continued to look for further goals to seal the game. With West working hard they looked the more likely to score and in the 77th minute produced the move of the game. Chris Smith played the ball down the West right to Mat who played the ball inside to Carl who played a first time ball to Tyler Ferguson he laid the ball off to an advancing Gary Lilley who hit a low shot from outside the box to make the score 3-1.

West continued to push forward and had a number of other chances to increase their lead further, the ball either going wide or over the bar. However with a much improved performance went in worthy 3-1 winners to put their season back on track.

Reports by: Rob Madden

Follow West over the Christmas period: Thursday 26th Dec: Savour the atmosphere during our local derby against Maine Road FC at Brantingham Road Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 0TT remember this game kicks off at 2pm.

Saturday 4th January: Join us as we start the New Year with a home game against Wigan Robin Park with a normal 3pm kick-off.

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

History…Barnoldswick Town Formed in 1972 and named Barnoldswick United (1972), - so called due to being canny Yorkshiremen - had there had been a previous club named Barnoldswick United and they had outstanding debts the new club would have been liable for them. The field started out as a grazing meadow for cattle, after a lot of hard work, it is now the pitch we play on.

The club had 2 teams playing in the Craven & District Football League in the early 1990's we joined the East Lancashire Football League again with 2 teams. The 2003/2004 season brought the amalgamation of Barnoldswick United (1972), Barnoldswick Park Rovers and Salterforth Juniors and we changed our name to Barnoldswick Town Football Club.

We then ran 3 senior teams. In the late 1990's our 1st and 2nd teams joined The West Lancashire Football League, our 3rds staying in The East Lancashire Football League.

It has always been in the club's constitution to get our ground up to the minimum standards of The North West Counties Football League and the 2009/2010 season saw us accepted into The North West Counties Football League, for our 1st and 2nd teams.

We have 2 pitches one being floodlit plus a floodlit training pitch. Our club house can hold up to 120 people and can be hired out for functions. Our main sponsor is Silentnight Beds Ltd and the ground is named The Silentnight Beds Stadium.

For the 2013/2014 season we will have 12 junior teams, 3 entering the East Lancashire Alliance and the remaining 9 in the North Valley League.

In 2009/2010 our first season in The NWCFL saw us finish Runners up in Division 1 and finalists in the prestigious West Riding County Cup beating Guiseley who won promotion to the Conference North along the way. It was an interesting season as we only expected to hold our own and try to make sure we didn’t end up at the bottom of the league.

Following on from our success in the 2009/10 season we went from just looking to avoid relegation in the Premier Division 2010/11 to astound ourselves by finishing a creditable 7th in the league, only suspensions and injuries we feel robbed us of a top three spot.

The 2012/2013 season saw us finish 9th in the Premier Division and reaching a round further in The FA Vase. Our Reserves finishing 4th in their respective league, with players being selected for the first team squad showing we have strength and depth in the club.

In March 2012 we achieved The FA Grade E. enabling the club to enter The Evostick League when finishing in a promotion position.

Honours: West Lancashire League Div 1 Champions 1998/99 West Lancashire League Div 2 Runners-up 1997/98 Richardson Cup Runners-up 2001/02 Craven & District Association Craven Cup Winners 1988, 1994, 1998, 2011 Craven & District Association Morrison Cup Winners 1986, 1995, 1997 NWCFL First Division Runners-up 2009/10 NWCFL First Division Managers of the Year 2009/10 West Riding County Cup Finalists 2009/10

October 200 Club Winners This month the three winners are: £100 winner: D Cooper £60 winner: M Fowler £40 winner: A Farren 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.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances - goalscorers

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First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Unused substitutes: 5 Bailey-Morton, 9 New brooke, C.Jones

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Be the last one to help the ground development‌ by sponsoring the last remaining shirt number for £20!

Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

NWCFL Premier Division Table Table correct as of 17/12/2013

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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Meet Scott Mason…

Position: Midfield Occupation: Teacher Former clubs: Bolton Wanderers, Lancashire Boys, Leigh R.M.I, Leigh Genesis, Cammell Lairds and Irlam Date Joined West: Aug 2013 You made your debut for West as a substitute in the FA Cup against Burscough. What were the circumstances around you joining West Didsbury?

Yes sadly it wasn’t a debut to remember getting beat 3-0. Towards the end of last season whilst playing for Irlam FC we came across West Didsbury. At the time I had no intention of leaving Irlam, however as Steve Eckersley and Andy Nelson were in charge it was great to cross paths with them again as the last time I saw them was during my time at Leigh R.M.I. As a junior you played for Bolton Wanderers, what memories do you have of your time there?

The time I spent at Bolton Wanderers was a fantastic experience and something that will stay with me for a long time, especially the unbelievable goal I scored for Manchester United whilst wearing a Bolton shirt. I was playing full back at the time and as the ball was fizzed across the box I tried to side foot the ball out for a corner after hearing the incredibly quick winger breathing down my neck, this resulted in the ball coming off my heel and flying into the top corner.

A player and friend who shared this experience with me, Alex Marrow now plays his football at Blackburn Rovers was released alongside me at Bolton, we then went our separate ways and a few years later we became team mates again playing for our county Lancashire. Here we went on to win the league and county cup.

You joined Leigh RMI (to become Leigh Genesis) and were part of the much heralded youth setup there. Is this where you first joined forces with Rick Gleave?

Yes, Leigh R.M.I is where Ricky and I joined forces for the first time. I remember his first training session with the club as he flicked it through one of the lad’s legs in the warm-up, from there on I knew he was my sort of player. We shared a lot of good memories playing for Leigh R.M.I youth team, reaching the best position in the FA youth cup the club had ever got to, coming agonisingly close to beating Morecambe FC in the first year and York FC in the second year.

Current Assistant Manager Steve Eckersley was in charge of the youth team what was he like as a coach?

Steve as a coach, manager and as a person has played a huge part in my footballing career. He had high expectations and always found a way of getting the very best out of his players. Steve has always been firm but fair and as a player you were made aware if you had done something wrong but at the same time if you had done something right. Being given the opportunity to be coached by Steve again at West was certainly one of the main reasons for joining West.

You moved to Cammell Lairds. Was this when you moved to John Moores University?

Yes living in Liverpool for 3 years brought a lot of good memories. During my time there I represented JMU football team and it was from here I was asked to play for Cammel Lairds F.C who are currently Evo Stick North League. At the time Alex Hey was the manager and I made my debut against Nantwich Town coming off the bench to grab a goal back. Sadly it wasn’t enough, getting beat 3-2 and being exited out of the competition. A stand out moment of my time at Lairds was going back to play against my old club Leigh Genesis, thankfully I was on the winning side come the end of the 90 minutes. It was after this game however where Alex Hey announced his resignation from Lairds which led to the appointment of Tony Sullivan. Two very different styles of management but both made my time at Lairds very enjoyable even being manc!?

You then took a break from the game I decided to call it time at Lairds when I moved back to Manchester and became involved in the teaching profession. During this time I found it hard to commit to training twice a week whilst playing match days on a Saturday. However a friend of mine who I met on the teaching course, who currently still plays for Irlam invited me to come down to the club. Steve Nixon the manager at Irlam FC a great person I must say and he gave me the opportunity to start playing again after over 12 months out through understanding my work commitments and being flexible with training.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Meet Scott Mason…continued You spent last season at Irlam including playing against West in the final game when West needed victory for promotion to the Premier Division. Were you and the other players much aware of what was at stake? Did this make you more determined to try and win the game? (You were easily one of the best sides that came to West last season) It was the final 3rd of the season I played for Irlam. As a club we were aware of West Didsburys form going into the game and what was at stake for them. Our season didn’t have the same highs as West and I remember us thinking in the changing rooms before the game that we needed to prove a point to ourselves and show everybody that we are club who could fight against the top teams in the league. I remember coming off the pitch to an applauding crowd at West after losing to a late goal by Callum Jones (believe it or not) and thinking what a great game that was. It was after speaking to Andy at the end of the game that I thought I would like to be involved in this club.

You have played all over the midfield for West but is there a favoured position that you like to take up?

I arrived at West originally under the expectations of playing at the back. The manager said to me that he needed me to play in midfield against AFC Blackpool. We won 2-0 and the manager said that he would like me to continue in this role.

I’ve enjoyed playing in the centre of park however to be honest I’ll be happy to play anywhere.

We don’t keep statistics for assists (unfortunately) but you are certainly creating a few for the rest of the team.

Your set pieces are becoming more and more undefendable for the opposition. Is this something that you have worked on throughout your career or is it something that has come naturally to you?

It’s not something that I particular work on but I think wherever I have played I’ve always taken the free-kicks for the club.

Sadly it doesn’t quite work like fantasy football and get points from assists.

Finally, since joining West Didsbury what has been your favourite moment to date?

It has to be the double win against Runcorn. I love playing in games like that and was still buzzing days after the match.

The Pottsy song at the end with (Steve) Settles encore was the icing on the cake.

Today’s Match Sponsor: We are an independent planning and development consultancy providing specialist advice on how to obtain planning permission for various forms of new development, including facilities for sport and recreation and football clubs.

Rob Turley has over 35 years experience in both local government and private sector planning consultancy having previously built a market leading consultancy from scratch.

Experience in sport and leisure includes permissions for the City of Manchester stadium and Velodrome, alterations to MFCF training complex at Carrington, permissions for a new stadium in Stanley Park for Liverpool FC and currently advising Old Trafford SC on a new hotel and supporters club facility immediately adjoining Old Trafford. The firm is also advising non league football clubs from conference and Evo-Stik to Step 6 and 7 clubs.

For initial advice without any obligation please call: 0161 448 1838 or Rob Turley on 07891 298441

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

Statistics…Correct as of 16/12/2013

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

‘A’ Team Update…18/12/2013 The A team head into the Christmas break well positioned in the Altrincham & District Amateur League second division despite suffering a setback in a 0-1 loss away at Broadheath JFC last weekend. It was Danny Iredale sides second consecutive defeat having lost 2-1 at home to Wendover AFC the previous week after having registered four consecutive wins, having beaten Styal, APFC, Winton JFC 9-0 and George, to propel them into the higher echelons of the table.

The next scheduled fixture for the A Team is January 11th when they will travel to Wendover.

For more information about the A team please log onto the clubs website for all the latest news and match reports. http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/78527/Home

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

WHAT’S OUR

STORY?

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 promises to be another testing season as the club adjusts to life in the NWCFL Premier Division, improves its spectator facilities, adds new grass pitches and youth teams as part of its development plan, and aims for long term consolidation and stability at this level whilst remaining as a volunteer run, ‘not for profit’ club.

NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 21st December 2013 – Today’s Squads

Barnoldswick Town

West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Ben Simpson (GK)

Yellow/Royal Blue Shirts, Royal Blue Shorts and Socks and Pale Blue Socks Lyle Davy (GK)

Callum Jones

Jake McEneaney

Scott Jones

Kevin Richardson

Anthony Potts

Chris Ridehalgh

Mark Rogers (Capt)

Anthony Pollard

Graham Kay

Neil Chapman

Tre Baldwin Willis

Harry Thompson

Rick Gleave

Kieran Lee

Tommy Walsh

Aaron Hollindrake

Steve Settle

Matt Cavanagh

Matty Greenwood

Paul Fildes

Richmond Botchey

Samuel Howell

Sam Mitten

Bill Williams

Scott Mason

Neil Stansfield

Danny Summers

Mark Threlfall

Mark Woodcock

Conor Smith

Lee Malkin

Ben Lloyd

White Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks

Dave Conlon Paul Hughes (GK)

Manager: Andy Nelson

Managers: Paul Fildes and

Assistants: Steve Eckersley & Steve Settle

Kevin Richardson

OFFICIALS Referee: Barry Cropp

Assistants: Daniel Evans and Anthony Ball

NEXT HOME GAME Saturday 4th Jan 2014, KO 3.00pm WEST v Wigan Robin Park