West Didsbury & Chorlton v East Manchester

Y R U B S D I D WEST FC A & CHORLTON

MFL - Premier Divison April 28th - East Manchester 2011/2012

SEASON

PROGRAMME £2

E M O C WEL to

C F A N O T L R O H C & Y R U B S D I D WEST First Team Manager: Andy Nelson 07952 567240 Asst Mgr and Coach: Dave Conlon

Chairman Brian Cripps 01625 260094 Vice Chairman Glyn Meacher 07905 431526

Reserve Team Manager: Robert Madden 07730 655446 Asst Managers: Jim Hines & Paul Rowell

CEO Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891298441

Physio Winston Luke

Club Secretary Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Club Coaches Steve Eckersley / Kris Mahon

Treasurer Dave Cooper 0161 434 8181

‘A’ Team Manager Chris Argent 07962 352619

Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley

Youth Team Manager Mike Lewandowski 07796 690879

1st Team Match Day Secretary Richard Waring 07919 057655

Vets Manager Sam Hickey 07980 521988

ADD YOUR NAME TO OUR Join our growing list of sponsors, we have packages to suit your budget including:

THE CLUB

200

SPONSORS LIST

● Match Day Sponsor ● Player Kit Sponsor ● Pitch Advertising (3-year period) ● Programme Advertising

£100 £50 £250 per season £50 - £100

Contact Details

The 200 club is a vital source of income and is open to anyone.

A monthly standing order payment of £2 entitles one entry into the monthly £200 of prizes to be won.

If you are interested in joining please contact Brian, Rob or Monica or ask for a form in the club house.

The sooner you complete a form and enter the draw the sooner you could win.

For up-to-date information visit; www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

EDITORIAL

28 April 2012 – East Manchester Welcome to Brookburn Road for our final home game in what has been another landmark season for the club. As you know we have applied to join the North West Counties League [NWCFL] next season and have the support of both the Manchester League for our application to progress and this will now go forward to the AGM of the NWCFL clubs in June.

The results since Christmas have given us a solid platform for the future although the recent drawn games against Springhead, Stockport Georgians and Royton where we had to settle for a point in games we should have won. We also suffered away at Hindsford last Tuesday evening when we recovered from 0-2 down, conceding an early goal and a very poor second with the home forward well offside. We got back in the game through an OG and ‘equalized’ only for that to be ruled out for a very poor offside decision. The Hindsford supporters were very sympathetic and complimentary as the newly crowned champions were hanging on in the closing stages of a very entertaining and competitive game.They say these things even out over the course of a season so we have to work hard again today and aim for another 3 points today to finish as high as possible.

We congratulate Hindsford on their deserved success as Premier Division Champions. They have set the pace all season and been worth winners with no-one else coming close to their consistency. When we look at the league table we know that the ‘nothing’ month of November cost us dearly but despite losing several players to other clubs and through injury, we have kept battling away every game. There is a good ethic in the squad and our recovery to secure a place in the top half of the table is a credit to Andy, the management team and all the players for their hard work and team spirit.

The reserve team was also promoted last season and has done well to also finish 6 th in Div 2 with the A team also improving on last year and 3rd in their Division and with a possible cup final to look forward to. The youth team has had a good first season together and their manager Rob Sissons has also been a real quality addition to the first team squad.

The veterans have a great chance of securing the Premier Division title of the Cheshire Veterans League. This is just reward for the hard work of Sam Hickey and Phil Bairstow managing this squad. They top the table with one game remaining away at Sale Town on 6 th May when a win will secure the title.

So, as we come to the end of our 104th year there is much to look back on with pride, but even more to look forward to in future as we raise our game to meet the new challenges of next season.

Next Saturday 5th May we have our final game and Player of the Season and other club Presentations. There will be a friendly between the 1st team and reserves followed by Presentations at 4.30pm and then food and refreshments in the clubhouse when we all settle down to watch the FA Cup final.

Thanks you for your support throughout the year and we look forward to seeing you again next season.

Rob Turley WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

FROM THE DUGOUT Well we have arrived to the last game of the season…recent results have left us needing to win today to try to secure a top five finish so we’re determined to give it our all!

Our recent games against Stockport Georgians and Royton were disappointing as we should have secured victories in both, even against Hindsford the runaway champions we were denied a point by two key decisions allowing an offside goal for them and disallowing our equaliser later in the game for offside.

I won’t start the offside debate as this gets enough coverage in the media, but football at any level can have consequences when basic decisions cost you points.

I view our first season in the Prem as a success despite the winter hick-up we had with player movements, I have been pleased with the commitment and work ethic in the squad over the last few months where we have competed well with all the clubs around us in the table, this gives us a platform to develop from.

I’d also like to register my thanks to the management team who have supported me throughout this season, and also to those behind the scenes who have volunteered in many different ways…thank you!

Before we all go off to our summer breaks a couple of reminders…

PRE-SEASON TRAINING… will commence for the first and reserve teams in mid June.

We will post precise dates and advice on venue asap, depending on the latter stages of EURO 2012.

REGISTRATION EVENING…We will also need to have a registration evening before the end of June if our application to join the NWCFL is successful.

Everyone in the 1st and reserve teams will need to complete new registration forms and… …please note that NWCFL LEAGUE GAMES COMMENCE on Saturday 4th August for the 2012-2013 season.

Andy Nelson www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

First Team - Fixtures and Results Date AUGUST Sat 6 Sat 13 Wed 17 Sat 20 Tues 23 Sat 27 Wed 31 SEPTEMBER

Opponent

H/A

Comp

Result

Rochdale Sacred Heart Prestwich Heys Walshaw Sports Manchester Gregorians AVRO Springhead Old Alts

H A A H H A A

Cup L L L L L L

7–2 3–0 0–5 2–1 0–5 1–3 2–1

Sat 3

Wyre Villa

A

Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24

Prestwich Heys Wythenshawe Amateurs Ashville FC

H H A

LFA Cup L L FA Vase

2–2 (4-5 pens) 3-0 0-1 0-2

A H H A H

L L L L L

2-1 2-2 1-0 2-0 0-3

A H A A

L L L Cup

0–2 1-4 1-4 1-3

H

L

1-1

A H

L L

4-3 0-3

H H

L L

2-1 2-0

H A A H

L L L L

1-1 2-1 2-1 1-3

A A A A H

L L L L L

1-1 1-1 1-2 1-0

OCTOBER Sat 1 Manchester Gregorians Sat 8 Stockport Georgians Sat 15 AFC Bury Sat 22 AFC Monton Sat 29 Hindsford NOVEMBER Sat 5 Dukinfield Town Sat 12 Royton Town Sat 19 AFC Bury Sat 26 Walshaw Sports DECEMBER Sat 3 AFC Monton 2012 JANUARY Sat 7 Wythenshawe Amateurs Sat 14 Walshaw Sports FEBRUARY Sat 11 Old Alts Sat 25 Dukinfield Town MARCH Sat 3 Springhead Sat 10 AVRO Sat 24 East Manchester Sat 31 Heywood St James APRIL Sat 7 Stockport Georgians Sat 14 Royton Town Tue 17 Hindsford Sat 21 Heywood St James Sat 28 East Manchester

Please check the club during the summer at www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

MATCH REPORTS Since the last home game our run in has included 4 successive away games in April against Stockport Georgians, Royton Town, Hindsford and Heywood St James.

7th April Stockport Georgians 1 – 1 WEST [H-T 0-0] Scorer: Lewis Schofield We started brightly against Georgians with Dean Thurston leading the line well and Lewis Schofield causing the home defence problems throughout. There were few clear cut chances for either side with the nearest to a goal a quick turn and shot from Dean which hit the post with the keeper well beaten. The midfields of both teams were cancelling each other out and neither keeper had much to do.

In the second half we gained an early advantage when Schofield cut in from the left and then hit a cracking right foot shot giving the static and rather bemused keeper no chance. We began to dominate the game and looked like increasing the lead but a few half chances came and went before a double substitution with 20 minutes left which saw the introduction of Andy Lundy who then collided with the Georgians keeper who, after a delay of several minutes, was unable to continue and their centre back had to take over in goal. His first and last save came when a high ball was crossed in towards the back pots only for him to drop the ball before it was scrambled clear.

The changes and delay disrupted our rhythm and Georgians then equalized with 6 minutes left when the referee harshly awarded a penalty for an accidental hand ball. In the closing stages Ben Simpson pulled off a top drawer save to tip a fierce drive over the bar and we were left to rue not having out the game to bed when we had the dominance.

14th April Royton Town 1 – 1 WEST [H-T 0-1] Scorer: Tommy Walsh West were the sharpest out of the blocks in this one and scored after a few minutes when the Royton offside plan fell apart leaving Tommy Walsh to walk the ball into an empty net. We then completely dominated proceedings but could not add to our advantage and turned round 1-0 ahead.

The second half was to prove a very frustrating 45 minutes with more chances to add to our advantage going begging and a strong penalty claim when Rob Sissons was brought down waved away. Matt Eckersley brought a good save from the home keeper who tipped his drive over the bar, and Matt then was played in and looked odds on to score but overran the ball.

Rob Sissons cracked a shot wide and then Royton were awarded a soft free kick about 20 yards out and drew level with a fine strike which flew into the top corner off the inside of the woodwork.

This stung us into further frenetic action as we brought on Tom Waring and Andy Lundy and went all out for the winner but it was not to be as we again were left to count the cost of missing numerous chances. This, like the Georgians game was one where we dominated possession but failed to clinch the result.

Tuesday 17th April Hindsford 2 – 1 WEST [og] The trip to Champions Hindsford was another difficult test which we came through with flying colours at the end but regrettably no points. Hindsford have perfected the art of closing teams down quickly and the early stages of this game were no exception. Unfortunately we presented them with an opening goal when we gave possession away too easily and their forward’s snap shot squirmed past Steve Mellor, deputising in goal for Ben Simpson.

Worse was to follow soon after when Hindsford added a second with their forward clearly in an offside position to leave us with a mountain to climb. However we still created 4 or 5 decent chances in the first half with Tom Waring blazing high and wide on the right and Lee Shillito doing likewise on the left when played in by Scott Jones.

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

We got back in the game after an hour or so when a high ball lofted into the area was helped over the onrushing keeper by a Hindsford defender. At the other end Steve Mellor began performing heroics in goal to keep us in the game and we created another 3 good chances without any luck. We then all thought we had equalized when Theo Warmington dived between two defenders to head home a great goal from a Jones cross, only for this to be ruled out by the assistant referee. This was a poor decision. It was still not over and in the final minute Chris Patterson brought a great save from the home keeper from a direct free kick only for the ball to drop to Theo whose reflex shot went narrowly wide.

This was a great team performance which was sportingly recognised by the home supporters.

Sat 21st April Heywood St James 0 – 1 WEST [Joe Warmington] The last away fixture took us to sunny Heywood with a depleted squad through injuries, weddings and work commitments as we sought another away win to recover from midweek disappointment. We took the game to Heywood in the first half and kept the ball well in midfield but then resorted to far too many long balls forward instead of playing through the opposition. It became a tense affair with Heywood desperate for points to avoid relegation and stalemate continued for the first half.

In the second period we look much better and were unlucky not to go ahead when a snap shot from Joe Warmington beat the keeper only to clip his heel and go behind for a corner. Joe was not to be denied for long and showed great strength and composure to control a through ball over the top from Mike Kennedy, bear down on goal and then slot home to give us the lead. We defended this comfortably save for a couple of scares when Steve Mellor was called upon to tip one over the bar and then to dive full length to palm away a direct free kick. Two great saves which helped earn us another 3 away points.

The game was over as a contest when a Heywood player received a second yellow and his marching orders for a deliberate hand ball and left the referee with little option but to show the red card. After this we controlled things generally and came away with the spoils which we just about deserved.

Welcome to our visitors today – East Manchester EAST MANCHESTER have been among the pace setters all season and for a long time looked as though they would push Hindsford all the way for the title. Since January however they have had a difficult spell when a string of reverses saw them lose too much ground.

However they are one of the best teams we have played this year and we had to work extremely hard to get the better of them in a narrow away win in early March.

East also reached the Manchester FA Challenge Trophy losing narrowly to AVRO in the final at the Regional Athletics arena and have had a good run in the Gilchryst Cup reaching the semi final.

The club has moved in recent years from its previous home at Mount Road in Levenshulme and they are now benefiting from excellent facilities at Wright Robinson Sports College where they are based now.

They also have a stalwart Committee member in Dave Wilkinson who is a familiar face around the Manchester League. Dave has contributed much to the league over many years in his role as a club representative on the League Management Committee.

East and its officials are very welcome as our final visitors of this season.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Reserve Team - Fixtures and Results Date AUGUST Sat 20 Thurs 25 Sat 27 SEPTEMBER Thurs 1 Sat 3 Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24 OCTOBER Sat 1 Sat 15 Sat 22 Sat 29 NOVEMBER Sat 5 Sat 19 Sat 26 DECEMBER Sat 3 JANUARY 2012 Sat 7 Sat 21 Sat 28 FEBRUARY Sat 18 MARCH Sat 3 Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24 APRIL Sat 7 Sat 14 Thur 19

Opponent

H/A

Comp

Result

Stockport Gregorians Res Wythenshawe Amateurs Res Rochdale Sacred Heart Res

A H H

L L L

3–4 2–3 4–0

Old Alts Res AVRO Res Walshaw Sports Res East Manchester Res Old Alts Res

H H A A A

L L L L L

2–3 0–1 0-7 2–2 3-0

Elton Vale Res Prestwich Heys Manchester Gregorians Res Dukinfield Town Res

A A H A

L L L L

3–3 6-2 2-0 3-1

Leigh Amateurs Res East Manchester Res Beechfield United Res

H H A

L L Cup

3-4 2–2 4-0

Wythenshawe Ams Res

A

L

1-5

Springhead Res Leigh Ath Res Prestwich Heys Res

A A H

Cup L L

3–4 3-2 4-2

AFC Monton

H

L

2-2

Rochdale Sacred Heart Res Walshaw Sports Res Dukinfield Town Res Stockport Gregorians Res

A H H H

L L L L

3-1 1–0 4-1 0-0

Elton Vale Res AVRO Res AFC Monton Res

H A A

L L L

4-1 0-2 2-1

This month the 200 Club winners are: £100 Fabian Brown £60 Dave Cooper £40 JA Fleming

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

Reserves reports‌ Our last game of the season saw the visit of Elton Vale. We moved the ball round well and controlled the game from the outset. Gary Lilley opened the scoring for West midway through the first half with a second late in the half from full back Tommy Hendley.

Elton had a rare attack early in the second half, Nicky Grimshaw was adjudged to have brought the player down in the box and Elton converted the resulting penalty to make the score 2-1. We regained control of the game and it was not long before Gary Lilley doubled his goal tally for the day and shortly after Stephen Madden made the score 4-1. A very good performance from all the team which kept our unbeaten run going.

14th April saw West go to AVRO who whilst in 6th place had a number of games in hand and could challenge for the title. We played very well and matched AVRO in all departments. West went one behind following a mistake in the defense and the AVRO striker reacting quicker the loose ball. AVRO were awarded a penalty late in the first half which they missed and we went in at half time 1-0 down.

AVRO scored a second against the run of play, West continued to play attractive football and had several chances but were unable to convert any. West were awarded a penalty midway through the half and the keeper pulled off a very good save to deny West a goal.

Whilst we lost the game and our unbeaten run the spirit between all the players was excellent.

James Harris having a particularly good game coming in at full back following a good season in the A Team.

19th April Our final game of the season was away to AFC Monton on a wet and windy Thursday night. The windy conditions and a very muddy pitch did not allow West to play the passing game they had been used to in recent weeks. Monton went ahead from their first real attack when we failed to clear a cross. This seemed to spur the players on, we put Monton under increasing pressure and a long throw from James Harris resulted in the ball bouncing loose at the far post Jordan Casey looping the ball over his head to equalize.

We hit a purple patch in the second half where Monton could not get the ball away from West.

West were awarded a free kick halfway in the Monton half, this was played towards the far post and Nathan Wakelam with a bullet headed made the score 2-1.

The team finished in sixth place overall only losing one game in the last ten played. This is a credit to the whole squad bearing in mind we started the season by only winning one the first six games. The team spirit has been excellent with a good blend of youth and experience with eight out of a squad of sixteen being under the age of twenty one. The spirit, enthusiasm and encouragement shown by the more experienced players has been second to none and this has helped the younger players to develop and become an essential part of the team and will help them develop and progress into the first team squad.

My thanks to all the squad who have made the season an enjoyable one and to Jim Hines and Shay Casey for their help in running the team.

Robert Madden WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

A Team - Fixtures and Results As the season drew to a close we played 4 matches since my last comments, 2 cup games beating Springhead 2-1-and Walshaw 4-2 and 2 league games a 2-1 reverse at Hollinwood and a 6-0 thrashing of Prestwich Heys.

I have pleased with how our season has gone and to finish fourth has been a good effort form the team.

Chris Argent Date Opponent SEPTEMBER Sat 17 Prestwich Heys A Sat 24 Dukinfield Town A OCTOBER Sat 1 Springhead A Sat 8 Stockport Georgians A Sat 15 Walshaw SC A Sat 22 Leigh Athletic A Sat 29 Atherton Town A NOVEMBER Sat 5 Hollinwood A Sat 12 Dukinfield Town A Sat 19 Royton Town A Sat 26 Springhead A 2012 JANUARY Sat 14 Royton Town A Sat 21 Stockport Georgians A FEBRUARY Sat 18 Atherton Town A Sat 25 Walshaw SC A MARCH Sat 3 Leigh Athletic A Sat 17 Prestwich Heys A Sat 24 Stockport Ge A Sat 31 Springhead A APRIL Thurs 5 Hollinwood A Thurs 12 Prestwich Heys A Sat 14 Walshaw SC A

H/A

Comp

Result

H H

L L

1–4 5–0

H H H H H

L L L L L

4–7 3–2 4–3 1–1 6–2

A A A A

L L L L

1–2 3–2 2–0 1–2

H A

L L

2–1 0–3

A A

L L

2–1 4-0

A A A H

L Cup Cup Cup

5-3 5-2 2-4 2-1

H A H

L L Cup

2-3 6-0 4-2

KIT MANAGER WANTED… We have a vacancy for a volunteer kit man to take overall charge of playing kit and equipment and be available to attend first team games home and away.

If you would like more information on what this involves then please contact:

Rob Turley on 07891 298441 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

How our teams stand…

Manchester League – Premier Division 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Hindsford East Manchester AVRO Walshaw Sports Springhead Royton Town West Didsbury & Chorlton Stockport Georgians Wythenshawe Ams Old Alts Manchester Gregorians AFC Monton Prestwich Heys AFC Bury Heywood St James Dukinfield Town

P 29 28 26 28 28 29 29 27 29 30 30 29 28 28 28 28

W 22 17 15 14 11 12 13 12 11 12 11 6 7 5 7 7

D 5 2 5 5 11 8 5 7 8 5 2 8 5 8 2 4

L 2 9 6 9 6 9 11 8 10 13 17 15 16 15 19 17

GD PTS 46 71 24 53 31 47 * 23 47 12 44 6 44 -11 44 0 43 3 41 -9 41 -11 35 -17 26 -23 25 * -20 23 -36 23 -18 22 *

*Adjustment made

Manchester League – Division 2 (Reserves) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Walshaw Res Stockport G Res Wythenshawe Ams Res AVRO Res Old Alts Reserves West Didsbury and Chorlton Res Manchester Gregorians Res AFC Monton Res Leigh Ath Res E Manchester Res Dukinfied Town Res Prestwich Heys Res Rochdale SH Res Elton Vale Res *Adjustment made www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

P 26 25 25 23 26 26 26 25 25 26 25 25 25 24

W 17 13 13 14 14 12 11 10 8 8 9 8 7 3

D 4 6 5 2 1 5 6 5 6 4 1 4 4 5

L 5 6 7 7 11 9 9 10 11 14 15 13 14 16

GD 37 14 22 12 0 7 10 -2 -16 -9 -23 -5 -6 -41

PTS 55 45 44 44 43 41 39 32 * 30 28 28 27 * 25 14

Manchester League – Division 4 (‘A’ Teams) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

P 18 17 18 18 18 17 18 18 18 18

Springhead A Hollinwood A West Didsbury and Chorlton A Royton Town A Stockport Geo A Leigh Ath A Dukinfield Town A Walshaw SC A Prestwich Heys A Atherton Town A

W 14 13 11 10 9 6 6 5 4 1

D 2 1 1 2 3 3 1 2 4 1

L 2 3 6 6 6 8 11 11 10 16

GD 26 38 16 21 14 11 -13 -24 -30 -59

PTS 44 40 34 32 30 21 19 17 16 4

Cheshire Veterans Football League – Premier Division 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

P 13 13 13 12 11 13 12 13

West Didsbury & Chorlton Flint Town Grappenhall Sports Cheadle Star Old Boys Sale Town Bollington Bedians Hursts

W D 9 2 8 4 5 4 5 3 4 4 4 4 2 2 1 1

L 2 1 4 4 3 5 8 11

GD 26 22 15 6 -1 -9 -19 -40

PTS 29 28 19 18 16 16 8 4

Cheshire Veterans Football League – Division 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Moore United Barnstoneworth United MCYA West Didsbury & Chorlton B Grappenhall Sports B Burtonwood Albion Old Boys Stepping Hill Presidents XI

P 11 10 12 11 12 11 11

W 8 7 6 5 5 2 1

D 2 1 2 1 1 2 1

L 1 2 4 5 6 7 9

GD 30 15 0 2 1 -10 -38

PTS 26 22 20 16 16 8 4

Altrincham Youth Football League 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Cleavleys JFC Wythenshawe Amts NJ Wythenshawe FC Cheadle & Gatley Athletic Leigh Genesis West Didsbury & Chorlton Flixton Juniors FC Medlock Rangers FC Lostock Rangers FC Broadheath Central

P 17 18 14 18 16 15 18 16 16 17

W 13 11 9 9 8 8 6 4 4 1

D 2 2 3 2 1 1 2 3 3 0

L 2 5 1 6 5 6 10 8 8 15

GD PTS 42 41 35 35 61 33 18 32 10 28 -2 25 -1 20 -19 18 -102 6 -42 3

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Youth Team - Fixtures and Results The Youth team have had a very successful season in the Altrincham League for 17-21 year olds. Most of our players are 16/17 and have done well against bigger more physical teams.

The pundits said we wouldn’t get more than 6 points all season. In fact the lads have excelled themselves getting 8 wins against quality opposition. For a lot of our team the future is bright if they continue to work hard at their skills and fitness. The coach Rob Sissons has done a fantastic job improving and developing their all round game. We thank Rob for his great commitment to the team all season including taking training sessions and players to matches.

17 April West 1 NJ Wythenshawe 7 Our first game for more than 3 weeks meant we went into this match a little ring rusty. This coupled with us being significantly under strength for the game allowed NJ to dominate proceedings. Apart from a brief 15 minute spell when West equalised NJ were much the better side and ripped us to shreds down the flanks scoring at will. Diante got our consolation goal after a well worked move down the right wing and cross from Josh.

22 April West 2 Leigh Genesis 5 Again we didn’t have the full team out but this was a much better performance from the lads. After Leigh took the lead through a goal that looked suspiciously offside West settled down and played some flowing football resulting in a goal, a tap in from Louis after the ball had been put on a plate for him from Aarron down the right.

West then took the lead with Fabian scoring from a marvellous 25 yard free kick straight into the top corner. Tiredness then crept into our play and we couldn’t keep Leigh out, with them eventually winning 5-2.

Mike Lewandowski Date SEPTEMBER Sun 25 OCTOBER Sun 2 Sun 9 Sun 16 Sun 30 NOVEMBER Sun 6 Sun 13 Sun 20 JANUARY 2012 Sun 15 Sun 22 FEBRUARY Sun 12 Sun 19 Sun 26 MARCH Sun 04 Sun 25 APRIL Tues 17 Sun 22 Thurs 26

Opponent

H/A

Comp

Result

Medlock Rangers FC

H

L

1-1

Lostock Rangers FC Cheadle & Gatley Athletic Flixton Juniors Cleavleys JFC

A H H A

L L L L

2-4 1-3 5-3 0-4

Broadheath Central Leigh Genesis Medlock Rangers FC

H A A

L L L

1-0 1-5 4-3

Lostock Rangers FC Cheadle & Gatley Athletic

H A

L L

9-2 2-1

Flixton Juniors Wythenshawe Amts Cleavleys JFC

A A H

L L L

2-1 0-3 3-2

Wythenshawe Amts Broadheath Central

H A

L L

0-2 2-1

N. J. Wythenshawe FC Leigh Genesis N. J. Wythenshawe FC

H H A

L L L

1-7 2-5

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

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

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

News Items Presentation Day at the club featuring…  Firsts v Reserves – (KO around 2.30 after the MSMFL Cup Final)  Presentations of Awards  Food and refreshments and  The FA Cup Final live in the clubhouse.

7th May – Pitch Renovation Work is programmed to commence on renovation and drainage improvements to the main pitch on Monday 7th May. The ground will then be out of use until pre-season friendlies commence in mid July.

Membership We face considerable expense with these works at a time when we‘re not playing which is why the club membership scheme runs for 12 months.

Please ensure your membership is up to date during the close season.

June – UEFA EURO 2012 ENGLAND GROUP GAMES commence on Monday 11th June v France, Friday 15th June v Sweden with both these games starting at 5pm.

The final group game is Tuesday 19th v Ukraine starting at 7.45pm.

We will probably open the clubhouse for all these games to keep things ticking over until pre-season training resumes.

Watch the website for more details.

FA VASE 2012-2013 After our debut in the FA Vase last season we have entered the competition again next season. The draw for this will follow in July.

Our next Committee Meeting is on…

Monday 7th May at the clubhouse starting at 6.30pm

Vets and Vets B – Recent Results and Fixtures Cheshire Veterans League – Premier Division 15th Apr 22nd Apr 6th May

Grappenhall Sports (h) Sale Town (h) Sale Town (a)

4-1 6-0

Cheshire Veterans League – Division 3 11th Mar Burtonwood Albion Old Boys (a) th 25 Mar Moore United (a) th 15 Apr Barnstoneworth United (h) Please note full results are on the club website www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

5-3 2-5

Vets Match Reports 15th April Wests 4 Grappenhall Sports 1 Thought we looked very good at times, especially when we got the ball wide and then got enough bodies in the box to put them under pressure. Solid at the back, and we only really looked in danger from a decent free-kick that Jim did very well to tip over. The defence looked good and solid.

Anyway, after a lively and sometimes even informative h-t discussion, we took full control after the break, and some good pressure from Andy forced their centre-back into a majestic 35-yard og past everyone's favourite keeper.

In a reminder of what we'd been missing, Simon rejoined the fray helped link things up and then scored with his usual aerial prowess. Kinney got his own from close-range after some good build-up play and the other was the second lashed drive of the week from the maruading Winn.

Got a bit messy towards the end as they gambled and we experimented but the points were in the bag by then.

22 April West 6 Sale 0 Belting stuff‌three in each half to leave us just one win away from that title.

Sale never really got a chance to put their 4-5-1 into action, as their main midfield support man was warmly welcomed by Suthy and then Maj before departing the fray, while our midfield were coping well with their extra numbers in there. Simon soon dinked over a nice cross for Kinney to control and finish neatly. Maurice then crossed another one in from wide which resulted in a penalty which was converted by Chris.

Sale had a good keeper who was keeping out a number of efforts was we approached half time. More of the same in the second half, with Sale going down to ten men after around 15 mins.

Sale were never really in it anyway though and good work down the right led to Kinney getting his second with a nifty Cruyff-like finish. A few chances later and Robi nodded in from Maurice's free-kick. More aerial success next with Andy leaping to head home Kinney's cross.

We did a little bit to encourage them back into it, allowing them a couple of shots from but not quite enough and well-done the backs for the clean sheet.

The final title deciding game is at Sale with an 11am KO, any support would be very welcome.

Sam Hickey WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

THANK YOU It’s that time of year when we need to recognise all the hard work which goes on behind the scenes so that the club can function effectively each week.

So our thanks are due to: Andy Nelson for the huge effort he has put into helping us develop from where we were 3 years ago to help us realise our aspiration to play at the highest level we can and also acting as kit manager!

He has been ably assisted during that time by Steve Eckersley, skipper Dave Conlon, and coaches Kris Mahon, Lewis Childs and Tony Holmes. Steve Kennedy has been an ever present this season as has Rick Waring as match day secretary.

Rob Madden and Shay Casey have worked with the reserves at training every week with Jim Hines helping on match days, and the A team has improved under the guidance of Chris Argent. The youth team has been managed by Rob Sissons with Mike Lewandowski as youth secretary and the Veterans by Sam Hickey and Phil Bairstow and Vets reserves by Steve Fisher and Duncan McVey. The club officials have also had an increased burden with Monica Creer acting as both membership and club secretary, Treasurer Dave Cooper managing our financial performance against budget every month and John Churchman keeping the website up to date and ensuring an excellent match programme.

Brian Cripps and Glyn Meacher have chaired and kept us on track at Committee meetings and we are also grateful for the contributions of Davy Iredale, Ben Simpson, Danny Summers and Danny Iredale.

It has been an eventful year as we’ve more than held our own in the Premier Division, competed in the FA Vase for the first time and completed the further ground improvements to enable progression. It is only fitting that we say thank you to our roll call of 28 ‘volunteers’ for all their valuable time and effort.

Rob Turley The club would be remiss not to also say a big thank you to Rob himself, Rob commits a massive amount of time and effort to the wellbeing of club and is involved with almost everything West related… … THANK YOU ROB WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

LAST WEEKS RESULTS IN THE MANCHESTER PREMIER LEAGUE Dukinfield Town

1 - 3 AVRO

East Manchester

1 - 2 Hindsford

Heywood St James

0 - 1 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Prestwich Heys

3 - 0 Stockport Georgians

Royton Town

5 - 3 Walshaw Sports

Springhead

4 - 2 Old Alts

Help us collect TESCO vouchers for training balls...lets all get behind the initiative...club members, players, supporters, friends and family!

Please bring your vouchers and put them in the collection box on the bar in the clubhouse.

West to host Cup Finals‌volunteers needed We will be hosting 2 more Manchester Saturday Morning League finals on the evening of Wed 2nd May and on the morning of Sat 5th May. We need assistance to steward the dressing rooms, help in the bar and help clear up afterwards.

If you can help‌ please give your name to Monica or Rob.

Wishing West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC a successful season Parrs Wood High School and 6th Form Proud printers of the Match Programme

Many thanks to Mike Fryer for providing the pictures for this programme and allowing them to be used on the club website.

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

Our Visitors today – East Manchester FORMED IN 1960 AS THE FERRANTI ENGINEERING FACTORY TEAM, THE CLUB PLAYED IN THE LOCAL CHORLTON LEAGUE - MADE UP MAINLY OF FACTORY WORKERS WITH A SPRINKLING OF EX-PROFESSIONALS AND TOP AMATEUR PLAYERS THAT PROVIDED A FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION. IT WAS NO SURPRISE THEREFORE WHEN IN OUR FIRST SEASON WE ALMOST ACHIEVED THE DOUBLE. WINNING THE LEAGUE AND LOSING IN THE FINAL OF THE CUP. WE THEN MOVED ON TO THE S E LANCS LEAGUE AND CHANGED OUR NAME A FEW TIMES FROM FERRANTI TO ICT TO ICL, EVENTUALLY SETTLING WITH OUR CURRENT NAME OF EAST MANCHESTER IN 1983.

IT WAS AS ICL, IN WHICH OUR FIRST PROLONGED SUCCESS WAS ACHIEVED IN 1970/71, WINNING THE 1st. DIV. TITLE – THIS HERALDED THE BEGINNING OF A GOLDEN ERA WHEN SEVERAL LEAGUE TITLES AND CUPS WERE WON. THE HIGHLIGHT WAS DOING THE DOUBLE IN 1975/1976 SEASON. A RESERVE TEAM WAS NOW ADDED, AND THE CLUB, STILL A WORKS OUTFIT, CONTINUED TO BLOSSOM. FURTHER SUCCESS FOR BOTH TEAMS RESULTED IN JOINING THE MUCH MORE COMPETITIVE AND PRESTIGIOUS MANCHESTER LEAGUE IN 1981.

THIS CHANGE ALSO MEANT MOVING GROUNDS FROM MELLANDS TO THE GMB CLUB AT MOUNT ROAD. MAINTAINING OUR SUCCESS WE COLLECTED THE CHAMPIONSHIP AT OUR FIRST ATTEMPT TO GAIN PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER DIVISION AND EMFC WERE BORN. A SHORT BARREN SPELL FOLLOWED UNTIL 1987/1988 WHEN THE CLUB’S SUCCESS WAS REKINDLED BY WINNING THE MANCHESTER AMATEUR CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME DEFEATING BRINDLE HEATH LADS CLUB IN THE FINAL. SIGNIFICANTLY OUR RESERVE TEAM ACHIEVED THEIR FIRST SUCCESS BY WINNING THE SECOND DIV. CHAMPIONSHIP. OUR SUCCESS CONTINUED WITH A PEAK IN 1991/1992 SEASON ACHIEVING A DOUBLE – THE LEAGUE AND THE MANCHESTER CHALLENGE TROPHY. OUR NEXT STEP FORWARD WAS TO MOVE TO THE NEW GROUND OF KIRKMANSHULME LANE. THIS ENABLED US TO FLY THE FLAG FOR AMATEUR FOOTBALL IN THE MANCHESTER AREA, APPEARING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OUR HISTORY IN THE HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS F.A. VASE COMPETITION -BEATING NWCFL OUTFIT CHEADLE TOWN IN THE 1st ROUND. SUCCESS CONTINUED FOR BOTH OUR TEAMS ALTHOUGH THE ENFORCED MOVE FROM KIRKMANSHULME LANE CAUSED SOME OBVIOUS PROBLEMS. FORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE VERY KIND INTERVENTION OF DAVE PACE OUR FIRST TEAM WAS ABLE TO PLAY FOR A FEW SEASONS IN THE PALATIAL SURROUNDINGS OF DROYLSDEN FOOTBALL CLUB. AT THE TIME IT WAS JUST THE MORAL BOOSTER WE NEEDED AFTER ALL THAT HAD GONE ON PREVIOUSLY. HAVING RETURNED TO OUR OLD STOMPING GROUND, THE GMB CLUB, MOUNT ROAD. IT HAD REKINDLED THE SUCCESSESS OF THE PAST – AS IN 1991/2 WHEN WE ACHIEVED THE DOUBLE – ANOTHER DOUBLE HAS BEEN GAINED – OUR 2nd TEAM WINNING THE MFL 2nd DIV AND CARRYING OFF THE HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS MANCHESTER AMATEUR CUP IN THE 2005/2006 SEASON. THIS WAS NEARLY DONE THE FOLLOWING SEASON BUT ONLY TO COME RUNNERS UP IN BOTH LEAGUE AND COUNTY CUP. THE CLUB MOVED FROM MOUNT ROAD AND FOUND A NEW HOME IN WRIGHT ROBINSON COLLEGE, GORTON FOR THE 2008/09 SEASON. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Manchester Football League – Premier Division Saturday 28th April 2012

Today’s Teams West Didsbury & Chorlton Ben Simpson Mike Kennedy Scott Jones Dave Conlon (Capt) Alex Baird Andy Levendis Danny Summers Tom Waring Tommy Walsh Dean Thurston Lee Shilito Matt Eckersley Callum Jones Joe Warmington Lewis Schofield Lee Hendley Andy Lundy Luke Lundy Steve Mellor

East Manchester Paul Crompton Joe Neild Adam Stones Simon Finegan Michael Jennings Elliot Jones Paul Smith Jamie Byrne Danny Murray Simon Harrison Tommy Broadbent Paul Brown Michael O’Connor Conor Brotherton Danny Williams Hazen Gardner

Manager: Andy Nelson

Managers: Chris Stanley

Assistant: Dave Conlon

Assistant: Mark O’Connor

OFFICIALS: Referee: Karl Bardsley

Assistant Referees: Ian Claridge and Richard Cooper

Please check the club website during the summer at:

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com

WHAT’S OUR

STORY?

The story of West Didsbury began 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.

This was down to the hard work of a core of players and Committee who refused to let the club fold and the new facilities were secured without a penny of help from the Playing Fields Society who sold the land for commercial development.

West then joined the Manchester Alliance League where they competed until the outbreak of the First World War (1914-1918).

In 2007/8 season West won Manchester League silverware for the first time when they lifted the Murray Shield with the nucleus of our previously successful junior team. The following season West just missed promotion to the Premier Division and again reached the Murray Shield Final.

A further name change followed in 2003 to reflect our new location in Chorlton and we were elected to the Manchester League in 2006.

After the War the club joined the Lancashire and Cheshire League for the 1920/21 season and changed its name to West Didsbury AFC. The club was placed in Divisions 1 and A and stayed in the top flight for 25 seasons. The first team were double runners up in League and Rhodes Cup in 1922/23.

In 1927, West lifted the Rhodes Cup by beating Davenport 2-1 in the final, and by the early thirties the club had finished runners up in 1931/32 for the fourth time.

It was third time unlucky for West Didsbury (West) as they were beaten in the final of the Rhodes Cup by South Salford, who then won the cup for six consecutive years - a feat unequalled by anyone since.

The first team succumbed to relegation for the first time in 1952, losing a play-off 3-1 to Rusholme, but bounced back as second division runners up the following season, remaining in the top division for another 5 years, before relegation again in 1959/60 meant a 6 year wait to regain top flight status. Indeed during that period, relegation to the third division was narrowly avoided in 1963/64.

West finished runners up in 1965/66 and were back in the top flight for another spell before relegation again in 1968/69.

In 1969/70 West won the Rhodes Cup for only the second time. They faced a Monton Amateurs side that had dominated the league for a number of years, yet against the odds West equalised twice and scored the winner in extra-time for a famous 3-2 victory. Current Chairman Brian Cripps skippered the side that day and received the trophy in near darkness.

In 1970/71 West were promoted to Division 1 after securing runners up spot, before relegation in 1972/73 and 1974/75 meant that the team were playing in the third division. In 1976/77 West beat Heywood GSOB from the first division 2-0 in the Whitehead Cup Final.

Rob Turley scored both goals.

The club then had another hard period before promotion in successive seasons, from 1987-89, clinching both divisional championships and losing only once in two seasons.

The second team were unbeaten champions of Division B in 1987/88 and the club won the Aggregate Trophy for the best club in the Lancashire and Cheshire League for the first time in 50 years.

After several years of uncertainty when our former ground at Christie Playing Fields was sold off, the club were boosted when, in 1997/98, they kicked off the new season at their splendid new home at Brookburn Road, and began to develop a vision for a community club.

With a new management team, the 2009/10 season proved to be very successful. Honours were spread right through the club with: The first team winning the Murray Shield, (the third consecutive year we have been in the final) and finishing runners-up in the league. The second team winning Bridgewater Office Supplies League Cup and the U17 Youth team winning their League. Last Season 2010/2011, the First team won the First Division title in style this season with a fantastic points total (65 points out of 72 possible). This must rank as one of the highest points totals per game ever in the history of the Manchester League dating back over a century.

It was also one of the best and proudest seasons in the club’s history and CONGRATULATIONS to ANDY NELSON and ALL THE PLAYERS for their commitment to the club throughout the season.

Our thanks must also go to Dave Conlon, Steve Eckersley, Kris Mahon and physio Ronnie Cook, who have been integral to the management team, and to Rick Waring for his support week in week out as match day secretary for the 1st team.

Congratulations also to the Reserves for a terrific season under the guidance of Jim Hines and Paul Rowell, resulting in promotion and for the second year they contested the Bridgewater Trophy Cup Final, this time finishing runners up in a game they really should have won.

The A team have also performed well this year finishing in 3rd place and manager Chris Argent has done a great job in maintaining a squad this season, resulting in a complete turnaround in results and league placing.

Rob Madden and Barry Isaacs have steered the Youth team to yet another final where they were just pipped to the trophy by New Mills.

Finally, the Veterans finished 2nd in the Cheshire Veterans League Premier Division and were runners up in the Cup Final. This is another great achievement as this league has expanded in recent years to 4 very competitive divisions, comprising 30 clubs and finishing as one of the top teams is great credit to the efforts of Sam Hickey and Phil Bairstow.

In summary, 5 teams, 5 top 3 finishes and 3 cup finals to add to the League Championship.

So a great 2010/2011 Season – we look forward to what 2011-12 has in store.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

h c t a M . . . y a d

INFO

Keep up to date with the latest information on your club...

www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com/

Designed by Pennant / Printed by MTS

CLUB

T C To Contact t t th the Cl Club b please l use tthe club website.

West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC W TThe Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville, Manchester, M21 8EH www.westdidsburychorltonfc.com