West Didsbury & Chorlton v Irlam

2012/13 SEASON

PROGRAMME ÂŁ1.50

Main club sponsor:

First Division Saturday, 27 April, 2013

v Irlam FC

WELCOME to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC Club President Brian Cripps

First Team Manager: Andy Nelson 07952 567240 Asst Manager: Steve Eckersley

Chairman Glyn Meacher 07543 715784

Reserve Team Manager: Robert Madden 07730 655446 Asst Managers: Jim Hines & Shay Casey

Club Secretary Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441

Physio First Team: Winston Luke Reserves: Neha Chhabra

Membership Secretary Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Club Coach Kris Mahon

Treasurer Dave Cooper 07961 063195

‘A’ Team Manager Chris Argent 07962 352619

Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Vets Manager Sam Hickey 07980 521988

Community Development Davy Iredale

Programme Production & Web John Churchman 07720 508082

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

THE CLUB

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

LIST

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200

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.

Editorial

27th April 2013 – Irlam FC

WELCOME TO THE FINAL LEAGUE FIXTURE This afternoon we bring the curtain down at home on an incredible first season in the ‘Counties’. It is nice to be able to welcome the players officials and supporters of Irlam FC as our visitors today, in particular because secretary Warren Dodd was a source of real encouragement as we prepared to move from the Manchester League as Irlam had made the same step some years before us.

Irlam are having an inconsistent season but the first game at Silver Street ended 1-1 when they kept going and got their reward with an equaliser in the last minute. Their excellent performance and 1-0 away win at Darwen last Saturday also raised a few eyebrows and we need to focus hard again today to try and gain the last 3 points possible this season.

WHAT A WEEK! WHAT A MONTH!! WHAT A SEASON!!!

We’ve seen a few more amazing twists and turns last week when, a couple of days after we progressed to the Div.1 Trophy Final, the NWC League announced that Formby had been placed in a relegation position having failed to meet ground grading criteria. This raised the stakes for Abbey Hey, Atherton Collieries, Darwen, Ashton Town and WEST as the prospect of promotion for the 3rd place club arises. We congratulate Abbey Hey who made no mistake in securing 2nd place promotion last weekend and the 3rd place is now between ourselves and Atherton Collieries. Our whopping 4-0 victory at Ashton Town meant the game at Colls became crucial to both sides and after our 2-0 victory at Colls, a win again today would mean that we would definitely finish 3rd. It is a great achievement to have this in prospect in our first season and also an FA Cup place. Going further with a promotion and the cup final is incredible and the events of the past few weeks are testimony to all the preparation and hard work, week in week out, by Andy and the entire squad and back up management team.

CLUB DEVELOPMENT We are also delighted to announce that the Football Foundation has awarded us a grant towards the costs of creating new grass pitches on the land adjoining the club. This is conditional on us raising match funding before work starts so we now have to raise around £12,000 over the next two months to make this happen. We are very grateful for some extremely generous donations to the Development Fund and we would like to do as much as possible without borrowing and remain debt free. We know it is a big ‘ask’ but if you are able to make a donation or take out a subscription to the monthly 200 club that would be much appreciated. Please speak to our Treasurer Dave Cooper or Secretary Rob Turley if you would like more information about the Development Fund or 200 Club.

1st DIVISION TROPHY FINAL – TUESDAY 30th APRIL, 7.45pm at RUNCORN LINNETS Next Tuesday evening we travel to The Millbank Linnets Stadium, Murdishaw Avenue, Runcorn, WA7 6HP for the Trophy final against Abbey Hey. We have tickets available in the clubhouse today and we will be running a 49 seater coach to the game leaving Brookburn Road at 6.30pm.

Return travel will cost £10 but as a ‘thank you’ to regular supporters and members the club has purchased cup final tickets on your behalf so please book up today.

Remember to visit www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/ to keep abreast of this and other breaking news.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND ENJOY THE GAME AGAIN TODAY! Our thanks to Mike Fryer for providing photos this season for the web and programme, Mike has captured the team celebrating a goal against Daisy Hill on the front cover.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

From the Chairman A warm welcome to the Officials and players of Irlam FC, fans of both clubs and those who follow football at this level, to the final home match of our first season in the North West Counties Football League.

It would be fair to say that if someone had told me pre-season, that with one league game to go we would be in with a shout of finishing third in the league and looking forward to our first NWCFL Cup Final, I would have had difficulty believing them.

The reason that we have been able to achieve this further success is due to the professionalism of Andy and all his coaching and support staff, and the commitment and skill of the playing squad he has put together over the past 4 years.

The fact that the core of both the on and off field teams were with us when we were in the Manchester League, and the way we have made such a successful transition to competing in the NW Counties, makes this season’s performances even more satisfying.

Irrespective of the outcome of the game today the achievements of this season will match some of the most successful we have had in our 105 year history.

As such, on behalf of the Club Committee I would like to say well done and thank you, to everyone who has played a part and as this is the final programme of the season, I would also like to say a personal thank you to:    

The Committee for providing the drive to enable us to continue to progress as a club year on year, now including the FA Vase and FA Cup To the Managers and Coaches of our Reserves, A and Veterans Teams To everyone who helps on 1st team match days especially Simon and his group of International Students Our ever growing band of spectators and regular supporters.

As mentioned in the Editorial, the club is also about to take a giant step forward in achieving our vision to expand and offer junior football. Having all our adult teams playing on one site will also now be achievable as our application for grant funding to develop new grass pitches alongside the ground has just been successful.

Delivering this vision and building on the playing success of this season gives us all something to look forward to next season. Have a great summer.

Glyn Meacher Chairman – West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC

THE CLUB PRESENTATION DAY Make a note of the date Saturday 4th May when we’ll have the usual end of season game and presentation of awards for our teams, keep an eye on our website for final details.

The game will kick-off at 3pm and presentation of the ‘Player of the Year’ awards will follow around 5.30pm.

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

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

View from the Dugout We continue our Q and A style with Andy after the game against Atherton Collieries on Monday…

We have just completed 3 tough away games, to achieve 3 victories against Eccleshall who belied their home record, and our two main contenders for 3rd position, Ashton Town and Atherton Collieries, you must be delighted with the results?

In the transfer shop window Eccleshall strengthened their team with 5 players of Unibond experience and their manager is rebuilding what will become a good side, therefore we were obviously very pleased with the result.What can I say about the other 2 in a few lines? Other than fantastic team performances against 2 strong determined teams!

Victory over Daisy Hill means that we've reached the 1st Division Trophy Final, in incredible achievement in the first season as a NWCFL club, a chance to finish the season with a trophy must be a great incentive for the players?

It is an unexpected bonus to be in a cup final during our first season at this level one the club should be very proud of.

It was a solid performance in tough conditions (wind, rain, pitch cutting up), what are your thoughts?

I felt the first half was mostly our dominance however the second half didn't materialise the way we thought therefore we made changes to kill the game off and make sure we were in the final.

We've kept back to back clean sheets in our last 4 games, you must be pleased with the contribution of the defence?

Our shape and system has been a significant factor in our success, that, and the ability to break with pace has been a key factor in our team play.

Overall how would you assess the season?

The season could finish beyond our wildest dreams, however, being in a Cup Final and achieving a FA Cup place for next season is a fabulous achievement, so far…!

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON …

The NWCFL fixtures will start on Saturday 3rd August but before that we already have some high profile pre-season games confirmed. The first of these will be against NORTHWICH VICTORIA FC on Saturday 13th July, kick off 3pm, and others will be posted on the website soon.

Todays Match Sponsor:

Eckersley’s Plumbers & Locksmiths A family run Plumbing and Locksmith company, based in Bolton.

Eckersley’s offer 24 hour emergency plumbing and locksmith services with a 1 hour response time and no call out fee! All of our work is guaranteed and carried out by a qualified and friendly engineer.

NO VAT charges.

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

First Team – Fixtures, Results and Goalscorers…

Date KO H/A AUGUST 2012 Sat Aug 4 3.00 H Wed Aug 8 7.45 A Sat Aug 11 3.00 A Tues Aug 14 7.45 H Sat Aug 18 3.00 A SEPTEMBER Sat Sept 1 3.00 H Tues Sept 4 7.45 A Sat Sept 8 3.00 A Sat Sept 15 3.00 H Wed Sept 19 7.45 A Sat Sept 22 3.00 A Sat Sept 29 3.00 H OCTOBER Sat Oct 6 3.00 H Tues Oct 9 7.45 A Sat Oct 20 3.00 H Sat Oct 27 3.00 H NOVEMBER Sat Nov 3 3.00 A Sat Nov 10 3.00 H Sat Nov 17 3.00 A Sat Nov 24 3.00 H DECEMBER Sat Dec 1 3.00 A Sat Dec 15 3.00 H JANUARY 2013 – No games FEBRUARY Sat Feb 2 3.00 A Sat Feb 9 3.00 H Tues Feb 12 7.45 H Sat Feb 16 3.00 A Sat Feb 23 3.00 H Tues Feb 26 7.45 H MARCH Sat Mar 2 7.45 A Mon Mar 4 7.45 A Sat Mar 9 3.00 H Sat Mar 16 3.00 H Sat Mar 23 3.00 A

Opposition

Score

Scorers

Formby Chadderton Oldham Boro Northwich Villa AFC Darwen

2–3 3–0 4–2 1–1 0–2

Beckford, Walsh Potts, Walsh (2) Aston, C Jones, Walsh, Beckford Baird

1–3 2–1 1–4 4–1 2–2 2–3 3-0

Bryant Shillito, Bryant Bryant

LCC 2nd Rd

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

Aston, S Jones, Baldwin, Walsh Summers Baldwin (2) Malkin, L. Schofield, Walsh

FDT 2nd Rd

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

C. Schofield, M Woodcock Potts Summers. Aston (pen)

1-1 4-0

Baldwin Walsh, S. Jones, Thomas, Malkin

1-3 2-3 3-2 1-2 1–1 3-1

Aston OG, Aston (pen) Shillito, S. Jones, Walsh S. Jones C. Jones OG, S. Jones (2)

Holker Old Boys Formby Nelson Atherton Collieries Abbey Hey

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

Tues Mar 26

Leek CSOB

8-2

Malkin, Walsh, Baldwin Malkin Kilbride-Ratcliffe, Malkin, Walsh Malkin 3, Kilbride-Ratcliffe Malkin Walsh (2) Thomas (2), Aston (pen), Malkin, C. Jones, Woodcock Aston (pen), Malkin, C. Schofield

7.45

H

Cheadle Town Leek CSOB Atherton LR Oldham Boro Nelson Cheadle Town Holker Old Boys

FA - V

Eccleshall Bamber Bridge Rochdale Town Norton United

LCC 1st Rd LCT

Northwich Villa Abbey Hey Daisy Hill Atherton LR Irlam Cheadle Town

Ashton Town AFC Darwen Chadderton Bootle Ashton Town Eccleshall

FDT Q-Final

LCC 2nd Rd

Kilbride-Ratcliffe, Walsh, Summers, Shillito

L. Schofield, C Jones L. Schofield, Malkin L. Schofield, Baldwin, Walsh

Sat Mar 30 3.00 H Daisy Hill 3-0 APRIL Mon Apr 1 3.00 A Rochdale Town 2-1 Baldwin, Malkin Sat Apr 6 3.00 H Atherton LR 1-2 Malkin Wed Apr 10 7.45 A Eccleshall 1-0 Woodcock Sat Apr 13 3.00 H Daisy Hill FDT Semi-final 2-0 Malkin, Baldwin Sat Apr 20 3.00 A Ashton Town 4-0 Malkin (2), Thomas, Aston (pen) Mon Apr 22 19.45 A Atherton Collieries 2-0 OG, Thomas Sat Apr 27 3.00 H Irlam Tues Apr 30 7.45 N Abbey Hey at Runcorn Linnets FA V = FA Vase FDT= First Div Trophy LCC = League Challenge Cup LCT = Lancashire Challenge Trophy

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 NEWS… 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.westdidsburychorltonfc.com Or contact the secretary, Rob Turley on 07891 298441 or e-mail to: rob.turley@btinternet.com

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook Our username is WD_CFC (picture of club badge) http://www.facebook.com/WestDidsburyChorlton

This month the 200 Club winners are: £100 James Harris £60 Anthony Winn £40 Tommy Hendley The next draw is on Tuesday 7th May so get a form and get signed up by the end of the month if you want to have the chance of a cash prize.

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

Our Last Match Sponsor: We are very grateful to local estate agent Philip James Kennedy who were our last match sponsors.

For more information contact:

Rob Kennedy (Director) or Adam Grimshaw on 0161 448 1234 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

Our visitors‌ Irlam FC Mitchell Shackleton Football Club was founded in October 1969 by a group of employees working for Mitchell, Shackleton and Company Limited, a well established engineering company based in Patricroft, Eccles, which manufactures marine and diesel crankshafts.The founding members of Mitchell Shackleton Football Club were Bob Cowlishaw (Chairman), Bill Russell (Secretary) and Charlie Flynn (Treasurer, who served the Club also served as Secretary with distinction from 1981 until his death in 1994). They were ably supported by a Committee comprising of Alf Johnson (now Club President), Ged Moore (Kit Manager) and Stan Catlin (Team Manager). Although the Cub has been in existence for over 30 years, Mitchell Shackleton FC can trace teams playing under the Company's banner as far back as 1935.

Basing itself at St Michaels Community centre in Peel Green, the Club entered the Eccles and District Amateur Football League in 1970 where it established itself without winning any major honours. After a two-year association with the Eccles League, the Club sought pastures new by joining the Manchester Amateur League in season 1972-73. It was in the Manchester Amateur League that the Club's reputation began to grow, winning the Third Division (1973-74) and Second Division (1974-75) Championships in successive seasons, and in 1975 a reserve team was formed.

Between 1976 and 1978, the Club went through a transitional phase with younger players being introduced to the first team, and the formation of a new management team of George Walker, Billy Hall and Jimmy Preston.In season 1983-84, Mitchells finished Industrial 'A' Division runners-up, but ended the season on a high by winning the Gosling Cup. Industrial 'A' Division runners-up once again in season 1985-86, and defeated finalists in the Gosling Cup of 1988-89 signaled the end of the Club's 17 year association with the Manchester Amateur League with Mitchells again looking for a new challenge by joining the Manchester League in 1989.Mitchells quickly found their feet and gained promotion to the Premier Division at the second attempt, finishing as First Division runners-up in 1991. In 1993, Mitchells reached the Gilgryst Cup Final, only to lose out to Woodley Sports in the Final. 1994 saw the formation of a third team which was entered into the Eccles and District League, and in the same year, Paul Traynor departed due to work commitments and Kenny Davies assumed control, ably assisted by Billy Hall. This management team took Mitchells to their highest ever league position in the Premier Division, runners-up to Abbey Hey in 1995.

The Club was rocked prior to the commencement of 1997-98 season when Kenny Davies walked out, taking with him several first team players to local rivals Monton Amateurs. Dave Rowan and Craig Woodley, who had forged a successful partnership with the reserves, were promoted and asked to rebuild the side. Roy Bluer, a successful manager in Sunday football, was recruited to run the reserves. The start of 2001-02 season saw the Club change its title to Irlam MS and it moved its base to Silver St, former home of Irlam Town FC. The formation of a new management team of Rowan, former Willows boss Gary Fellows, and team coach Dave Mann, rebuilt the squad and introduced several young prospects during the season League form fell short of early expectations, but the team did put together a good Gilgryst Cup nun to reach the Semi-Finals. Although Mitchells had yet to win a major trophy in the Manchester League, they established a reputation for their competitiveness, fitness and style of play, which is still known and respected throughout Greater Manchester. Mitchell Shackleton were proud winners of the Albert Booth Sportsmanship Trophy in 1998-99, a testament to the spirit in which the Club plays the game. Also, in June 2000, Club Secretary lan Street was named Secretary of the Year at the Annual General Meeting.

In 2002 Mitchells were informed that the move to Silver St was happening , and their existing ground was to be purchased and subsequently be used for what is now to become the new Salford Reds rugby League stadium. The move to Silver St was an exciting affair for all, and the rebuilding of the ground was completed, and officially opened in 2003 with a visit from Brian McClair’s Milk Cup winning , Manchester United youth team. Since the move , the Club worked tirelessly to bring the Club into the North West Counties, the highest standard that the Club has seen. Manager Gary Fellows left the Club to take up the position of manager at Salford City FC, and after a season with manager Arthur Burns, who worked miracles with a threadbare side, including winning the Manchester Challenge Trophy, the mantle passed onto Dave Mann to continue the building a side for the following season. A further name change saw Irlam MS become Irlam FC, and the appointment of Warren Dodd as secretary of the Club, from Irlam Rangers Junior Club saw development increase at the ground.

Entry into the North West Counties Football League saw the Club enter its highest level of competition since its formation, and the season 2008/2009 became the Clubs inaugural season. The introduction of a ladies team at the Club for 2011/2012 demonstrates the Clubs commitment to football for all at the heart of the community.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

First team reports…

Saturday 13th April: WEST 2 Daisy Hill 0 West have the 1st Division Trophy Final to looked forward to in just their first season as a NWCFL club after they defeated Daisy Hill 2-0 in front of a extra-large crowd at Brookburn Road.

It was a typically nervous affair for a cup tie, as the wind and rain combined with Daisy Hill’s determination not to suffer a 3rd defeat to West this season, meaning the game was, at times, a scrappy affair. Daisy Hill had the game’s first chances to take the lead but as the half wore on it was West who asked more questions of Daisy Hill as they stepped up the tempo with very direct passing.

The deadlock was broken on 16 minutes as a loose ball was headed up in the air, by a Daisy Hill defender, and came straight down to Lee Malkin at the edge of the area. Malkin hit it on the volley to give West the lead and his 13th goal in 12 games.

West looked to extend their lead and the second goal came on 33 minutes after a Callum Schofield shot was saved, from Lewis Schofield cross, but only parried by the goalkeeper straight to Tre Baldwin-Willis who finished an excellent team move from close range.

There was less action in the second half as the conditions worsened and West were content to hold on their lead as Daisy Hill tried to reduce the deficit but West were comfortably able to see out the game and book their place in the final against Abbey Hey. Action shots from the game below…

Saturday 20th April: Ashton Town 0 WEST 4 This was match West had to win to have any chance of promotion and as we took the game to the home side they had no answer to the early assaults on their goal. Straight from the kick off Tommy Walsh won the ball to set up Lee Malkin who was just wide, and a minute later the offside flag was raised to deny the same combination. After 3 minutes West took the lead when a Ben Williams assist down the middle saw Malkin accelerate behind the home defence and calmly place the ball wide of the keeper. Another good move down the left flank was ended when Scott Jones was fouled outside the area and Gareth Thomas stepped up to curl a superb free kick past the wall to make it 2-0 after 6 minutes.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Ashton Town v West report continued‌

On 8 minutes the linesman flagged for a foul on Tommy Walsh resulting in a red for the centre back before Mike Aston made it 3-0 from the spot kick. Ashton were very rattled by the decisions and it was 20 minutes before the 10 men created a chance only to volley well wide from close range. After 28 minutes it was 4-0 when Gareth Thomas split the home defence and Malkin scored with a superb lob over the advancing keeper. Ashton made 2 substitutions after half an hour but on 35 minutes things got even worse as their number 8 was carried off after a bad fall. In the 45 minute Ashton were awarded a penalty following a push from a corner but Ben Simpson made a stupendous save to turn the ball onto the post and behind for another corner which came to nothing.

The second half was a scrappy affair as the dry and dusty pitch and high wind made it difficult to keep the ball on the ground. Callum Schofield rose highest to direct a header which the keeper saved under the cross bar but chances were few and far between at either end. The game was concentrated in midfield and West made little headway playing up the slope despite the extra man advantage. Walsh and Malkin gave way to Baldwin Willis and Summers after 53 minutes and as West stifled any prospect of a home recovery the game became very scrappy. On the hour things Mark Woodcock ploughed through the Ashton 7 on the touchline with a very poor challenge resulting in an unpleasant skirmish and scuffles between both teams. The justified red card followed with a second for Ashton and two Ashton officials were also dismissed from the technical area as they vented their frustration at the officials. Dave Kilbride came of for Aston after 80 minutes and the game stuttered to a close.

Another great team performance when we totally outplayed the home side with some scintillating football in the first half hour and fully deserved the 4-0 win.

Monday 22nd April: Atherton Collieries 0 WEST 2 This was another hard fought victory on the road with Atherton pushing forward down the slope for the first half. However for all their industry there was little quality football as the ball was launched forward at the West defence with little interplay on the ground. The defence stood firm with Potts, Schofield and Aston displaying great composure under pressure and Ben Simpson pulling off another game changing save after 27 minutes to touch a great Colls free kick over the bar. A couple of minutes later WEST took the lead when a Gareth Thomas free kick fired low into the area and was deflected past the home keeper. The home side looked rather deflated as West began to play more controlled possession football and when the interval arrived it was 1-0 to WEST. We could not have had a better start to the second period as it was 2-0 within a minute of the restart. Gareth Thomas was the main man as he stepped up to curl in another superb free kick of even better quality than the finish at Ashton Town. Colls had no answer and West continued to look solid as a series of free kicks from all directions were fired or lofted into the West penalty area. West were defending with composure and great organisation reminiscent of the away victory at Formby which reignited the push for a high placed finish.

The midfield and forward played their part too with industrious displays from Tommy Walsh and Tre Baldwin in front of the influential Woodcock. Ben Simpson was rarely troubled apart from a last minute effort from outside the area which flew wide of the post. This was a really professional display throughout the team again demonstrating the strength in depth of the squad and giving manager Andy Nelson a few nice headaches as the final two big games arrive today and next Tuesday night. Once again it was nice to be congratulated by the home club fans and officials who graciously recognised that we have fully deserved our two recent victories over a very competent and competitive Collieries side.

Rob Turley

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

Reserve team update‌ As we approach the end of our first season in the Northern Counties Reserve Division it would be fair to say the transition from the Manchester Football League has proved to be a difficult one for the reserves. The standard of the teams within the division is consistently high with no easy games. Most teams have young sides who play a high tempo game throughout 90 minutes with goal scoring chances few and mistakes readily punished.

West have found it difficult at times to adapt to the level and pace of the league which has shown in the results. It is true to say that we have played well and been very competitive, the spirit within the squad has always been excellent and the effort and commitment cannot be questioned. Wigan Robin Park away was a prime example of this commitment when we were 3-0 down in the first 12 minutes, despite the poor start we continued to compete and despite going further behind 4-1 early in the second half we pulled two goals back and could easily have taken something away with us at the end of the game. Even when we have been on top in games, we have been punished when we have made the slightest mistake. Results show that we have lost a large proportion of our games by the odd goal. There have been very few games where we can truly say we have been outclassed.

A decision was made pre-season that we would try and bring young players into the club and develop them with a view to them challenging for places in the first team squad within a few seasons. At the beginning of the season we had few players we could develop, however a concerted effort during the season to bring young players in, has come to fruition with players such as Ben Daniels and Josh Chisambo both under 20 making their first team debuts after only a handful of games with the second team. Other young players coming into the squad during the season such as Jay Cosgrove, Nathanial Adams-Craig, Sok Dokubo and more recently Zeeshan Hussain. All have taken their chance well and are beginning to establish themselves within the squad. Whilst they are not yet the finished article they all show promise and hopefully if they continue to progress they could well be challenging for places within the first team within a few years time.

The development of young players cannot be done without the help of more experienced players and this season we have had a number who have continued, as they have in previous seasons to encourage and help the less experienced players. Captain Nathan Wakelam has been inspirational both on and off the pitch helping and encouraging the squad in general.

Danny Iredale, Bobby Ashcroft and Miguel Garcia have all shown their commitment and support to the younger squad members along with first team players who have had run outs in the second team.

It has been a difficult season adjusting to the Northern Counties and a steep learning curve for the squad and management team and I would like to thank everyone involved both players and management especially Neha Chhabra who as the second team physio has kept the players on the pitch wherever possible.

Rob Madden WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

NWCFL 2012-2013 Division One Fixtures – Saturday 27th April Atherton Collieries v Ashton Town Atherton LR v Abbey Hey Chadderton v Eccleshall Daisy Hill v AFC Darwen Holker Old Boys v Cheadle Town Leek CSOB v Rochdale Town Nelson v Northwich Villa West Didsbury & Chorlton v Irlam

West Reserve team fixtures: Barnoldswick Town Res, 27 April (A) 3.00pm Barnoldswick Town Res, 6 May (H) 3.00pm

NWCFL News The FA Vase Final will be on Saturday 4 May 2013 at Wembley at 3.00pm and with the ticket prices set at £15 for adults and £5 for U16’s and also with the availability of purchasing tickets onTheFA.com.

From the Terrace There have been so many positive things to look back on throughout the season I could easily fill a programme. It’s difficult to think about what my favourite moment of the season has been.

There have been some incredible games (Formby away), wins (Atherton Collieries at home, Ashton Town away), team performances, individual performances (too many to mention), goals (again too many for fear of leaving missing someone) and stunning saves.

There were the bulls I mistook for cows in the next field at Eccleshall and the farmer who decided to pick the exact moment both teams arrived to move them out the field.

I think one of the best things about this season is to meet so many people passionate about not just non-league football but the NWCFL in particular. I’ve developed a new appreciation for the time, work and effort that these people put into their respective clubs to ensure that clubs are run as well as possible for no personal gain. It’s been a pleasant and humbling experience. The people at West who have put in so much this season deserve their success.

However I have to say that the best moment of my season was leaving the club house at Brookburn Road after the 1st Division Trophy Semi Final and being stopped in the street at Chorlton Green to be asked the score. The moment WEST truly arrived? Enjoy the summer.

Rob McKay

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

NWCFL Division One Table Tables accurate after game on Tuesday 23rd April

Home P

W

D

L

F

Away A

W

D L

F

A

GD Pts

1.

Formby

31 13

1

3 57

21

14 0 0 57

15

78 82

2.

32 13

0

3 40

13

12 2 2 44

9

62 77

33 11

2

3 46

20

10 2 5 30

21

35 67

4.

Abbey Hey West Didsbury & Chorlton Atherton Collieries

33 10

3

3 40

20

10 3 4 35

26

29 66

5.

AFC Darwen

33 11

1

5 33

22

9

2 5 44

32

23 63

6.

7.

8.

9.

Ashton Town Cheadle Town Oldham Boro * Rochdale Town

32 32 32 32

12 9 6 3

3 4 5 5

2 4 4 8

47 36 23 16

24 27 22 33

6 4 8 8

4 3 0 3

28 22 34 32

15 34 26 25

36 -3 9 -10

10. Nelson

33 7

3

6 29

31

3

6 8 31

44

-15 39

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

33 32 31 32 33 32 32 32

4 4 4 3 4 3 2 1

5 7 6 10 11 9 11 11

21 30 32 37 48 34 39 36

3 4 2 5 5 3 3 2

4 6 5 3 3 3 2 1

45 21 33 31 29 42 58 37

-16 -17 -21 -25 -33 -25 -62 -45

P W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts 35 20 23 6 9 10 5

3.

Leek CSOB Atherton LR Chadderton Irlam Eccleshall Daisy Hill Northwich Villa Holker Old Boys

7 4 6 3 2 3 3 4

27 18 23 22 20 28 19 19

5 8 9 5 10 7 8 8 8 11 11 13

23 16 21 21 24 23 16 9

61 46 44 41 38 34 33 30 28 24 22 20

NWCFL Reserves Table 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Padiham Irlam New Mills Cheadle Town Barnoldswick Town Wigan Robin Park Ashton Town *

21 22 19 22 19 21 19

13 13 13 12 11 10 10

6 5 2 2 2 3 1

2 4 4 8 6 8 8

62 41 50 46 44 54 39

27 21 27 40 35 44 34

8.

9.

10.

11.

11.

Runcorn Linnets Glossop North End Nelson Silsden West Didsbury & Chorlton

21 22 21 22 21

8 7 6 5 4

5 3 2 3 3

8 12 13 14 14

45 35 34 26 34

43 2 29 35 0 24 60 -26 20 47 -21 18 54 -20 15

3 15

33

76 -43 15

13. AFC Darwen

22 4

*Point deducted for breach of rules

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

45 44 41 38 35 33 30

Shirt number sponsorship costs just £20, to have your (or your company’s) name in every home programme? If you would consider this for next season please talk to John C or Steve Eck. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

CLUB MERCHANDISE Available in the clubhouse…

Mugs at £5, Key rings at £1, Club badges at £3 Club Ties at £12.50 Coming for next season… Bennie hats and new scarfs

First Division – Attendance Statistics Club Atherton Collieries AFC Darwen Nelson Formby WEST Chadderton Cheadle Town Atherton LR Irlam Eccleshall Abbey Hey Ashton Town Daisy Hill Rochdale Town Oldham Boro Holker Old Boys Leek CSOB Northwich Villa

Games 15 16 16 16 16 16 16 15 16 17 15 15 14 15 15 15 13 15

Lowest 40 44 28 31 30 36 20 28 23 29 30 21 18 14 15 17 12 8

Highest 433 169 106 86 108 77 83 116 55 71 78 55 67 103 54 50 50 27

Average 92 88 55 53 53 52 49 48 46 44 42 36 34 34 32 30 25 18

Total 1,386 1,400 877 851 850 837 785 724 729 755 626 535 475 506 478 445 321 272

First Division – Leading Scorers (at 20th April) Player J. Carey M. Pilkington P. Atherton D, Gregory L. Malkin E. Adegbenro B. Brooks B. Langford P. Prescott S. Jones J. Curley R. Steele B. Smart T. Wakefield S. Robinson T. Walsh

Club Formby Abbey Hey Atherton Collieries Daisy Hill WEST Formby Cheadle Town AFC Darwen Atherton Collieries Abbey Hey Oldham Boro AFC Darwen Ashton Town Eccleshall Ashton Town WEST

Games 30 28 30 29 26 28 30 30 22 24 28 30 20 23 26 27

Goals 31 25 20 17 15 15 15 15 13 13 13 13 12 12 12 12

Lee Malkin (left) and Tommy Walsh (below)

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

North West Counties Football League First Division Saturday 27th April 2013

Today’s squads

West Didsbury & Chorlton White shirts, black shorts & socks

Ben Simpson (gk) Callum Jones Scott Jones David Kilbride-Ratcliffe Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Mike Aston (Capt) Danny Summers Mark Woodcock Gareth Thomas Steve Settle Lee Malkin Lee Shillito Lewis Schofield Tommy Walsh Tre Baldwin WIllis

Manager: Andy Nelson

Irlam FC Blue shirts, blue shorts and socks

Jamie Brewer (gk) Paul Monk Alex Barlow Jordan Smith Dave Castle Liam Pennington Dean Burgess Paul Lynch Gary Prescott Ryan Mcgreevy Jordan Icely Sam Haggis Conor Braithwaite Ben Christopher Ryan Hutchinson

Manager: Steve Nixon

Assistant: Steve Eckersley

Referee: Matt Scholes

OFFICIALS: Assistants: Andrew Waring & Kat Davey

NEXT HOME GAME: Monday, 6th April, 2013 – Kick-off: 3.00pm

WEST Res v Barnoldswick Town Res Please check the club website or www.nwcfl.com for up to date information

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

WHAT’S OUR

STORY?

Newly elected North West Counties League side 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 first played in the Manchester Alliance League until the outbreak of the First World War (1914-1918). 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 the League did not permit association with any other body. The club was placed in Divisions 1 and A and stayed 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 that league until 2006, winning many honours and providing 4 League Presidents along the way. Many of the current committee were players in that league.

The club played at Christie Playing Fields from before 1914 but had to relocate when given notice to quit by the Playing Fields Society in the mid 80’s when that body decided to sell the land for commercial gain. After several years nomadic existence the club kicked off the 1997-98 season at their splendid new home at The Recreation Ground at Brookburn Road, and began to 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 and secured the new facilities via a Lottery grant, new sponsors and fundraising, but without a penny of help from the Playing Fields Society proceeds.

Further name change followed in 2003 to reflect our new location in Chorlton and we were elected to the Manchester League in 2006. In 2007/8 Season West won Manchester League silverware for the first time, 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 West just missed promotion to the Premier Division and again reached the Murray Shield Final.

With a new management team led by Andy Nelson, who had previously managed at Leigh RMI, the 2009/10 season was very successful and honours spread throughout the club. The 1st team won the Murray Shield, (the third consecutive year we have been in the final) and finishing runners-up in the league. The second team 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 points total (65 points out of 72 possible). This ranks as one of the highest points totals per game in the history of the Manchester League 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 clubs ‘A’ team finished and 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 in every sense. In recent seasons several players who started at West have been signed by top non league clubs, but such is the spirit of the club that many players return to what they see as a family club.

The club now looks forward to fulfilling its ambition to play at the highest possible level it can whilst continuing to be run as a community club and transition to the NWCFL. The ground and facilities have been further improved and floodlights erected to meet grading requirements and West competed in the FA Vase for the first time in 2011-2012 as a Step 7 club.

The club was duly elected to the NWCFL at the AGM on 16th June 2012.

MATCH DAY‌

CLUB INFO To contact the club please use the club website.

West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville, Manchester, M21 8FF

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