West Didsbury & Chorlton v Maine Road

Manager: Steve Settle Asst Steve Brockley & Steve Eckersley

2015-16 SEASON

Official Programme

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NWCFL Premier Division

Maine Road WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC Friday 22 April 2016 7.45pm

WELCOME to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FE CLUB CONTACTS

FOOTBALL CONTACTS

Club President Brian Cripps

Director of Football: Andy Nelson

Chairman Glyn Meacher

First Team Manager: Steve Settle Head Coach: Steve Brockley Assistant: Steve Eckersley (admin) Assistant: Rob Madden Goalkeeping: Dale Newbrook Match Secretary: Rob McKay

Club Secretary Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441 Membership Secretary Monica Creer Treasurer Dave Cooper Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley Community Development Davy Iredale

Reserve Team Manager: Jim Hines Asst Manager: Ian Depeiaza Physio Winston Luke Paddy Murphy ‘A’ Team Manager Danny Iredale

Publicity Team Rob McKay 07706 320397 John Churchman 07720 508082

Youth Team Manager Ian Depeiaza

Programme contributors: John Churchman; Rob McKay, Rob Turley and Jonny Keen Match Photographer: Graham Currey 07768 763209

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.

To contact the club please use the club website: www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Main Club Sponsor:

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Editorial & Welcome to… MAINE ROAD This afternoon is our penultimate home game of the season and we welcome our near neighbours and friends from Maine Road for the reverse fixture of the Boxing Day encounter at Brantingham Road when WEST recorded their first victory, 1-0, over the boys in blue at the fifth attempt. This afternoon looks like being another gripping encounter as both teams have been in impressive form in recent months after both having had a disappointing start to the season. Manager Chris Hirst has assembled an exciting young side and since the turn of the year they have been on the up and hard on our heels in terms of the current form table. Both teams try to play a passing game at pace and if today is anything like Boxing Day we are in for an end to end thriller.

RECENT RESULTS After our exceptional run of form since mid January we have now lost only once in the past 11 league games and our push for a top 6 finish continues. The game against Silsden on Tuesday night (5th April) was the proverbial game of two halves as we looked a bit rusty having not played a competitive game in the past fortnight. Silsden are also fighting for Premier Division survival and took the lead in the first half when we had a fair amount of possession but didn’t create many clear cut chances. On the few occasions we did the final ball and some poor decision making saw the chances quickly disappear, but in the second period we were faster out of the blocks and unfortunate not to be level just after half time. We continued to try and play our way back into the game and eventually got our reward just before full time when Nic Evangelinos was on hand to finish from close range. Full credit to the lads for their persistence and to Steve Settle for his cameo performance off the bench, urging the team to press for an equaliser whilst at the same time trying to perfect the art of the throw in! Thanks also to the travelling support who were eventually rewarded for making the long trip.

After another cancelation against AFC Blackpool, we took to the field again last Saturday at Atherton Collieries where our great run of nine games unbeaten came to an end. This was another game that we could have got something out of, three great saves from the Colls keeper and a wonder strike being the difference between the sides.

MORPETH REACH WEMBLEY Well, we did forecast this when we played them here in the first round of the FA Vase, and Morpeth duly beat Bowers and Pitsea in the two legged semi final, thanks to a 93 rd minute goal, to set up an intriguing contest with the reformed Hereford United who beat Salisbury 3-1 on aggregate in the other semi final. At least we can take pride in the fact that for the past 2 seasons we’ve pushed the finalists all the way and maybe next year we will have a little adventure of our own.

CHANGE OF DATE FOR THE LAST HOME GAME Our final home league game is on Tuesday 5th May at 7.45pm when we host AFC Blackpool.

MATCH REPORTS Due to the bad weather resulting in our last two homes games being postponed, we have played catch up with match reports from programmes we have not been able to use. Happy reading!

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Steve Settle’s Notes Good evening everyone and welcome to Brookburn Road for the re arranged Derby fixture against our friends and neighbours from Maine Road. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Chris and his management team, players, officials and supporters to our club and, barring the 90 minutes of course, we hope they enjoy the evening!

Maine Road comes into this game in good form, having won 6 of 11 games since our last meeting during the festive period. As with any Derby, we are desperate to get the win but our lads should be under no illusion that today will be tough game!

We ourselves come into today’s game after a slight dip in our excellent form of late, our long unbeaten run came to an end at the weekend however prior to this, we were unbeaten in the last 8 we have taken 35 points from our last 16 games since the middle of November. I have been delighted with our ‘club of the month’ award for February. Although our targets will be much higher next season, this small accolade is just reward for the hard work of the players. I like the term ‘club of the month’. There is so much time and effort from numerous volunteers behind the scenes that enables us to function as a club and it is not taken for granted by the players. If you combine this collective enthusiasm for our club with the ‘get involved’ attitude of our fans the future is exciting for us!

Since our last home game against Abbey Hey, a game we won 3-1 without really getting out of 2nd gear we have had 4 tough away games against the 2 Runcorn teams, Silsden and Atherton Colls.

Firstly on Saturday we travelled to league leaders Runcorn Linnets and the lads showed great commitment to keep a clean sheet and get a 0-0 draw. If I had one criticism it was that I thought our decision making at times going forward was a little panicked, with us trying to force the issue a little which resulted in a lack of quality in the final third. That being said I don’t want to detract from the outstanding work rate that the lads showed, week after week they certainly give their all for each other. The level of disappointed following the result away at the league leaders really shows how far we have come as a team! After a short turn around we backed that performance up with another scoreless draw at Runcorn Town. In truth we looked ‘leggy’ from the off and missing Mark, Lee and Scott due to injury and work commitments didn’t help our cause. Again the lads worked very hard and we had a couple of

chances in the last 5 minutes to nick it but unfortunately it was not to be. At Silsden we faced a team battling for survival and after a 2 hour journey and subsequent poor first half we ended up battling back in the 2nd half to nick a point in injury time. Then following a couple of weeks without a game we faced a Colls team with an outside chance of winning the league. In truth there was very little between the teams and but for a little bit of luck at the right time, the result could have been very different.

I have preached all season about us scoring more goals and this has perhaps been at the expense of working on our defence. It’s therefore pleasing that we have kept 4 clean sheets in the last 6 games and this is testament to Hayden, our back 4 and Mark sat in front. We will need to be defensively strong next season if we are to elevate ourselves to the next level!

On the injury front Scott Jones has played a couple of reserve team fixtures as he recovers from the knee injury that has kept him out for the majority of the season and we are hopeful he will play some part in the run in. In addition we were delighted to get Michael Simcock back on the pitch last weekend. He will continue his rehab getting some pitch time in preparation for hitting the ground running in pre season.

In other news we have released Jordan Poole to allow him to sign for Abbey Hey. Jordan featured heavily earlier in the season but the form of Lee Gavin, Gaz Lilley and Matty Kay has seen his opportunities limited. Jordan is a good footballer and needs games to develop which unfortunately we cannot guarantee him at this moment. He leaves with our thanks and best wishes for the future.

Thanks for the continued support .

Setts

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 4 Bootle 0 …match report West made it four consecutive wins in the league for the first time since March 2013 with a hard fought but ultimately emphatic home win against Bootle.

After his sides battling 2-0 win at home to Winsford United on Tuesday night, West manager Steve Settle made two changes to his side as captain Mark Rogers returned in place of Ben Steer and Scott Mason filled in for Callum Jones who was injured in the mid-week fixture. They faced a Bootle side unbeaten in their last four fixtures and fresh from a Dominic Marie hat-trick inspired 4-0 home win against Silsden on Thursday night.

Arguably boosted by that result it was the visitors who started the brighter as they looked to impose themselves on the game in the opening stages with West working hard to close them down and limit their attacking intent. The game’s first chance came for West as Woods turned inside the penalty area from a throw in and his low cross only just evaded Nic Evangelinos at the far post. Two minutes later Bootle troubled Hayden Buckley-Smith in the West goal for the first time as they pressured West in their own penalty area, from the left a cross looked to be going harmlessly over but shaved the crossbar with the rebound blocked away for a corner. A minute later Bootle followed that effort by curling a long range effort wide of the post.

On 15 minutes the Bootle goalkeeper Ryan Jones made his first save of the game as Matt Eckersley jinxed through the middle of the Bootle midfield playing in Ash Woods with a through pass but the Bootle goalkeeper was off his line quickly saving Woods effort one-onone. The game continued with Bootle arguably having the greater of the possession with West happy to close down the space and hit Bootle on the counter. On 34 minutes West went close again Woods skinned his marker, raced into the box but again no-one could apply the final touch to his low cross along the six yard line.

Four minutes later West took the lead, as Bootle were on the attack but surrendered possession, as Mark Rogers won the ball back and quickly lifted his pass over the top of the Bootle back line into the path of Woods.

Woods reacted quickest and out-sprinted the keeper to lift it over him and fire it into an

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Saturday 12th March

empty net from close range for his 18th goal of the season. West went close again just before half time as Rogers had two efforts on goal from a West corner as well as the Boolte goalkeeper making a fine save to deny Nic Evangelinos but they would be happy with a 10 half time lead.

From the restart it should have been 2-0 as Woods charged down the right and squared a ball which evaded not one but two West players who just had to apply a touch towards goal. The second half continued in similar fashion to the first as Bootle tried to establish themselves in the midfield in a tightly contested game but were thwarted by the tireless midfield trio of Rogers, Gary Lilley and Lee Gavin.

On 70 minutes West made it 2-0 as a throw in found Evangelinos in the block who twisted and turned laying the ball off to Woods who drilled it into the bottom right hand corner for his 19th goal of the season. The goal tied Woods with Lee Malkin for the most goals in a season by a West player since joining the NWCFL. Bootle almost responded immediately through Josh Hamilton could only fire wide. Ben Steer replaced Matty Kay and he almost had a hand in adding a third as Matt Eck headed his long throw in just wide on 71 minutes. He almost repeated the feat four minutes later as Woods headed into the hands of the Bootle goalkeeper.

It was 3-0 on 75 minutes when a good West move found Evangelinos on the left, he played a one-two with Woods at the edge of the area and fired his shot in at the near post. West weren't finished as Rick Gleave replaced Gary Lilley and he was immediately he played a terrific through ball found Lee Gavin who slotted comfortably through the keepers legs to make it 4-0.

West were now in search of a fifth and a wonderful cross field pass from Gleave found Jonny Poizer who unleashed a ferocious volley into the top corner only to see it cannon off the inside of the post and cannon out off the inside of the other post. The ball fell to Steer but he couldn't strike it cleanly allowing the Bootle keeper to fall on it.

The victory was West’s 9th home league win of the season and lifted them to a season high 4th leapfrogging an 1874 Northwich side who lost 2-1 at Squires Gate.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 3 Abbey Hey 1 …match report West made it six wins in a row as they overcame a determined Abbey Hey side at Brookburn Road.

Having moved the game forward 24 hours due to a clash with Manchester City in the Champions League; West Manager Steve Settle was enforced into only one change as Lee Gavin missed his first league game since the opening day of the season due to a groin injury sustained the day before running the Liverpool half marathon. In his place Ben Steer returned to the starting line up as Settle reshuffled his side.

The visitors entered the game winless in three and having not won away from home in the leagues since October 17th but they showed no signs of having let it affect them in the opening minutes as they looked to test West from the kick off. The first chance of the game came Abbey Hey’s way as the West back line struggled to deal with a long ball down the middle and it fell to Sam Hind but he could only fire his first time effort wide of the post.

The early stages of the game created few chances as both sides cancelled each other in a game played at a furious tempo where space and time on the ball was at a premium. The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes with West’s first significant attack as a long throw into the penalty from Steer found Ash Woods whose superb header was powered across goal and met at the far post by Nic Evangelinos to drill home his 16th goal of the season.

Four minutes later West almost doubled their lead from another Steer throw as it evaded everyone but Evangelinos at the far post whose header was pushed over by Jon McIlwane in the Abbey Hey goal. From the corner, Matty Kay whipped it into the six yard box where Abbey Hey failed to clear and Evangelinos drilled it home for his eighth goal in his last six games on 25 minutes.

West boosted by the goals almost made it 3-0 on 28 minutes when a long ball of their own evaded the Abbey Hey goalkeeper, Woods reacted quickest nipping in behind him but his shot was blocked on the line and Evangelinos was unable to convert the rebound thanks

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Monday 14th March

another superb block. West were now in full flow as Woods again burst down the right, his low cross was pulled back to Mark Rogers at the edge of the penalty area but he rolled his left footed effort just wide of the post.

The only setback in the first half came in the form of an injury as the impressive Ben Steer was replaced by Yahya Saeed due to a calf injury as West went into the break with a comfortable lead.

The second half was only two minutes old when Abbey Hey created arguably their best chance as Hind rounded Hayden BuckleySmith only for his effort to be cleared off the line before the rebound was headed over by Abbey Hey’s own Ashford Blake on the line.

The battle for midfield continued and it took West until the 60 minute for their first chance of the half as Woods disposed with Abbey Hey full back inside his own penalty area. He played the ball into Evangelinos whose pullback into the path of Matty Kay was brilliantly chipped over the keeper but he too saw his effort cleared off the line.

On 71 minutes Abbey Hey found their way back into the game as Sam Hind was tripped in the penalty area by Saeed. James Moss stepped up to take the penalty but his low shot to the right was saved by Buckley-Smith, his third penalty save of the season, but Moss was able to stab the rebound past him to ensure a nervous finish.

Settle responded with a change as Jonny Poizer replaced Saeed and was instantly rewarded on 76 minutes when Poizer’s flick on fell into the path of Woods. Woods played in Matty Kay who finished with an exquisite first time lob over the stranded Abbey Hey goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

With a two goal lead West were able to see out the remainder of the game with neither goalkeeper stretched. The win was West’s six league win in a row, the longest run since joining the NWCFL and took them to the top of the NWCFL form table.

West v Abbey Hey…match action

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Runcorn Linnets 0 West 0…match report West stretched their unbeaten run to seven games with a hard fought 0-0 draw away to NWCFL league leaders Runcorn Linnets.

The Runcorn Linnets volunteers had worked hard on the service throughout the week to ensure the game went ahead but a combination of a highly motivated Linnets team, some nerves and a heavily sanded and bumpy pitch saw West a little slow to settle into the game. West almost gave the hosts a perfect start as an under hit back pass released Ryan Cox but he was denied oneon-one by a brilliant tackle from Paul Socha with just three minutes gone. West limited their opponents to half chances as they defended deeply, happy to clear the ball for Ash Woods, Matty Kay, Lee Gavin and Nic Evangelinos to chase and put the Linnets defence under pressure of their own. The best chance of the first half came on 15 minutes and it fell to Linnets as a free kick was curled to the far post but, unmarked, Cox could only head it wide.

West's first chance came on 22 minutes as Linnets goalkeeper kicked his clearance straight to Lee Gavin who immediately played in Woods who skipped past his marker and his goal bound effort was superb blocked by the Linnets central defender Danny White. A minute later a long ball over the top found Evangelinos and his first time shot from a narrow angle was pushed round the post only for it to be awarded as a goal kick.

It was a tense first half albeit with little in goal mouth action as the two divisions form teams were both happy to defend deep, force each other to play on the counter attack. On 35 minutes a Linnets worked a short free kick at the edge of the area after Anthony Potts had pulled

by Cox by tugging his shirt, but the free kick was fired over by Kurt Sherlock.

With just three minutes of the half remaining the referee was forced to withdraw from the game due to a knee injury. Quickly, a fan emerged onto the pitch forcing a 20 minute delay as the fan squeezed into the referee's kit to run the line in place of the linesman who took over the officiating duties. Immediately from the restart Linnets were awarded a free kick after Mark Rogers was adjudged to have deliberately handled a shot hit at him from point blank range with Linnets appealing that he was inside the area. The free kick was deflected for a corner and a full 60 minutes had passed on the clock

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Saturday 19th March

when Hayden Buckley-Smith was called into action to push away a low Cox effort.

The first chance of the second half fell Linnets way as Kyle Hamid found some space inside the West half but tried to lob Buckley-Smith from 30 yards with the West goalkeeper saving easily.

The best chance of the game also fell to Linnets as and it again fell to Cox as a wonderful cross was whipped into him at the far post but from 5 yards out hit the post with his header before heading the rebound in the grateful hands of the West goalkeeper. West immediately broke with an attack of their own with Lilley hauled down but Matty Kay could only curl the free kick over the bar. West then had a penalty shout of their own turned away as Linnet’s Michael White appeared to take a swipe at the ball with his arm inside the penalty area.

The game became increasingly end to end as both sides were happy to launch the ball long up the field but without either side really testing the goalkeeper. Inside the last 10 minutes Linnets continued to push forward and had three chances all without testing Hayden before West themselves had a pair of chances to snatch a winner; also without testing Porter. With seven minutes remaining Lilley broke from a Linnets corner, racing the length of the field, his pass found Woods on the right hand side whose cross found Steer at the far post. Steer’s header was knocked down into the path of Matty Kay who fired his shot just over.

With five minutes remaining came West’s best chance of the game as a wonderful ball into the penalty area from Steer found sub Rick Gleave, his first touch brilliantly brought the ball down but couldn’t direct his shot on target with the goal at his mercy.

There was a late scare as the otherwise superb Buckley-Smith dropped a cross late on but the equally superb Matt Eckersley coolly cleared it off the line and West were able to claim a welldeserved point.

Whilst the game arguably lacked cutting edge in terms of clear cut chances it certainly made up for it in tension, work rate and desire from both teams and the travelling West supporters showed their appreciation to the players at the full time whistle as they clapped the team off.

Runcorn Linnets v West …match action

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Runcorn Town 0 West 0 …match report West recorded back-to-back draws in the league for the first time in 18 months as a second visit to Runcorn in 72 hours resulted in a second 0-0 draw.

The 0-0 draw on Saturday at Runcorn Linnets had taken its toll on Steve Settle’s squad as Lee Gavin and Mark Rogers missed out whilst Scott Mason could only take a place on the bench. In their place came Ben Steer and Sam Dee with the latter making his first start since January 2nd.

Runcorn Town, despite themselves having been beaten 4-0 on Saturday at Atherton Collieries, started the game the brighter team on what was a bobbly surface and almost led inside 60 seconds as a long ball into the box was failed to be dealt with and only a sharp reaction from Hayden Buckley-Smith in the West goal prevented Runcorn from taking an immediate need.

West grew into the game and forced the first save of the game on 17 minutes when Ben Steer’s drilled shot across goal was deflected into the bottom left hand corner forcing Town keeper Danny Lever into a superb left handed stop to tip it round the post.

On 21 minutes West produced their best move of the match to that point as a brilliant through pass from Gleave inside the full back released Nic Evangelinos one-on-one but Lever again reacted brilliantly to palm a shot one-handed before diving on the rebound. At the other end Buckley-Smith was also called into action as he was forced to tip a strong free kick over the bar from Danny Toone.

West grew as the half wore on and a terrific counter attack saw the ball played out to Evangelinos who cut inside and rolled a low cross along the six yard line but two West players couldn’t find the finishing touch to give West the lead with what would have been a tap in.

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Monday 21st March

West were almost gifted a goal just before half time as Lever dropped a deep Ben Steer throw in which fell into the path of Ash Woods whose first shot was blocked before his second glanced agonisingly wide of the post to ensure the two sides would remain level at half time.

A minute into the first half West might have had a penalty as Matty Kay nipped in front of the Runcorn Town defence to meet a low Evangelinos cross but the referee waved away the appeals. West started the half much the brighter of the two teams as on 49 minutes another quick West counter reached Steer whose initial shot was blocked with the rebound reaching Kay who fired his shot just wide of the post. The pressure continued as on 55 minutes a superb cross from Steer found Kay at the far post whose knock down header fell into the path of Gleave but his shot from 20 yards went over.

Despite their indifferent form Runcorn weren’t about to give in and a terrific counter attacking move only ended when Robert Ablewhite fired over on 59 minutes. On 74 minutes Runcorn Town went close again as a long ball over the defender released Paul Shanley on the left, he raced into the box but could only fire his shot into the side netting at the near post.

Runcorn finished the stronger of the two sides as Settle introduced Scott Mason, Jonny Poizer and himself in search of three points. In the final moments of the game both sides had a chance to snatch three points as first Paul Shanley ghosted past his marker and flicked the ball past Buckley-Smith in the West goal but it was cleared off the line by Matt Eckersley.

At the other end arguably the best move of the entire game saw Mason played in between the Runcorn defence but his shot across goal beat Lever but curled away from the post at the last second earning West a point in a very even game. Despite the result West stretched their unbeaten run to eight games as well as remaining unbeaten away from home since November 3rd.

Silsden 1 West 1…match report West secured their first point in West Yorkshire against bottom club Silsden on a night that won’t long be remembered.

Injuries and absences, most notably Lee Gavin, Sam Dee and Scott Mason, saw West travel to Keighley with just 14 players as Manager Steve Settle and Head Coach Steve Brockley made up the complement of West’s three subs. West were boosted however with Rick Gleave’s first start in a West shirt since November 3rd.

West, despite not having played for a fortnight, started brightly, albeit late due to Silsden having no match balls, and almost took the lead inside the first minute as Silsden goalkeeper Ed Hall, under pressure from Ben Steer, sliced his shot into the path of Rick Gleave. Gleave controlled it superbly before flashing his shot just wide of the right hand post in a let off for Silsden. The game was high tempo in the opening stages but lacked in clear cut chances with Steer again providing the impetus as some quick thinking saw a throw into the path of Ash Woods who headed just wide on 14 minutes. Twice superb cross field pass from Gary Lilley found Ben Steer on the right but couldn’t find the final ball with men in the middle.

Silsden’s best chance in the early stages fell on 18 minutes as a long punt found Kyle Hancock whose knock down reached Danny Forrest as his shot rolled wide of the post when it looked easier to score. It was a warning to West as Silsden called Hayden Buckley-Smith into action on the half hour mark as he pushed a low hard effort from Forrest round the post. Two minutes later Silsden took the lead as West failed to clear a long punt into the penalty area as it fell kindly to Forrest who couldn’t miss from close range giving Buckley-Smith no chance.

There was little further action in the remainder of a first half that was high on effort, physicality but little in the way of quality as both sides had half chances but neither goalkeeper was tested.

West were out quickly following the half time break and might have levelled instantly as the kick off was played out to Matty Kay who, spotting the Silsden goalkeeper off his line,

Tuesday 5th April

cannoned a wonderful effort off the crossbar.

Immediately West lifted the tempo and camped themselves in the final third with a wonderful passing move culminating in the superb Gary Lilley ghosting past two but unable to lift his left footed effort over the goalkeeper from close range allowing Hall to make an excellent save low down.

West however, couldn’t maintain the tempo as the game became increasingly fractious as the game became littered with fouls and wild challenges the worst culminating with Rick Gleave receiving a challenge that landed in the region in the thigh but despite the referee being a yard away deemed it an acceptable challenge.

Again there were few clear cut chances in the opening 15 minutes of the second half until Nic Evangelinos managed to evade his marker on the left and play a dangerous cross to the near post where Ben Steer’s first time effort was superbly blocked and cleared off the line at the second attempt.

With eight minutes remaining West were denied a penalty as a free-kick into the box saw Mark Rogers clearly held back by the pull on his shirt but was only given a lecture despite a strong appeal from the West players. On 87 minutes Buckley-Smith was called into action for the first time in the half as he saved a low effort at his near post comfortably.

On 89 minutes West thought they had levelled as another superb passing move saw a goal bound Gary Lilley effort destined for the bottom left hand corner but was brilliantly tipped onto the post for a corner at the last second. West were not to be denied however as Matty Kay’s corner was only cleared as far as Lilley at the edge of the area, his low volley at the far post found Anthony Potts who knocked it across to Nic Evangelinos to tap it home from two yards out.

West looked the more likely in the five minutes of added on time but secured a point that kept them unbeaten away from home since the beginning of November.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Our final visitors to Brookburn Road this season…

AFC Blackpool Thursday 5th May, 7.45pm

Let’s get down and support the boys www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Stats fixtures - results – appearances – goalscorer

This Months 200

Club winners…

£100 winner: Z Istanbul £60 winner: R Turley-returned to club £40 winner: John C- returned to club

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Atherton Collieries 2 West 0 match report West's nine match unbeaten run was ended at the hands of Atherton Collieries thanks to a Brad Cooke wonder strike.

West Manager Steve Settle faced a selection dilemma ahead of kick off with Gary Lilley suffering a groin injury whilst Matty Kay and Mark Rogers were battling through illness with Nic Evangelinos missing out altogether due to his impending exams. There was a boost however as Scott Mason returned to the starting line up whilst Lee Gaving and Michael Simcock were able to take their places on the bench after injury.

West started brightly restricting Atherton to a couple of long range efforts whilst their first effort came on 6 minutes as Rick Gleave volleyed over from 20 yards out. On 10 minutes West had a great chance to take the lead as Matty Kay curled a corner to the far post but Matt Eckersley couldn't divert it towards goal.

West were seemingly comfortable until they were dealt a sucker punch as a long ball up to the defence was headed only as far as into the path of Brad Cooke who brilliantly volleyed it first time over the head of Hayden BuckleySmith in the West goal from 35 yards out giving the West keeper no chance; a stunning strike.

The goal did little to alter the tempo of the game which, Anthony Potts and Jordan Cover raging battle aside, had a very end of season feel about it but West again went close on 23 minutes when a Ben Steer long throw was guided into the path of Mark Rogers who forced Colls goalkeeper Andy Reid into a one handed save when the West captain flicked the ball over his shoulder towards goal. Colls remained dangerous themselves and three minutes later rattled a low 25 yard free kick off the base of the right hand post.

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Saturday 16th April

West's best chance of the first half came on 34 minutes as a fine attacking move saw the ball fall to Matty Kay at the edge of the penalty area whose frilled shot forced a good one handed save low to the goalkeepers right. Both sides created half chances but whilst West arguably just about had the greater number of chances in the first half they went into the break behind.

West were the first team out of the dressing room for the second half and the first team out of the blocks too as from the kick off West won the ball back, played Rick Gleave in down the left and his superb whipped in cross landed on the head of the Colls centre back who forced another good save from his own keeper. From the resultant corner West had their best chance of the afternoon as Matty Eckersley rose to a Matty Kay cross only for his header to be superbly headed off the line at the far post.

West couldn't capitalise on their early momentum and on 65 minutes made a double change with Jonny Poizer and Michael Simcock replacing Ben Steer and Paul Socha respectively; it was a great moment for 'Simmo' who returned to the side for the first time since suffering a terrible knee injury in August.

With 12 minutes remaining Colls secured the three points as a loose ball in the West box bounced in front of Buckley-Smith who failed to collect it, it fell straight to James Kirby who made no mistake roofing it into the net.

West almost pulled a goal back three minutes later as a wonderful Ash Woods drive was tipped onto the crossbar from the right hand side but it was Colls who looked the more likely to alter the scoreline in the final stages as the home side held on for what was, in the end, a comfortable victory.

The only other positive thing of note was Ash Woods claiming his 10th man of the match of the season from his opponents.

Atherton Collieries v West match action

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Club news…

Presentation Night Saturday 14th May – Schedule: 3pm - Fun game spectators v 1st team 5pm - Food in the clubhouse 6pm - Karaoke and Play your cards right with Alan Dobson 8pm - Presentation of Awards Keep an eye on the website for final details.

Supporters

‘Player of the Year’ Submit your vote on slips available in the clubhouse.

After today’s game we have 1 home game and 5 away games to the end of the season.

Get your scarves ready to have a black and white wave behind Steve and the boys at…

Blackpool…

Barnoldswick…

Congleton and Colne.

Steve Eck showing his colours in Washington

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Today’s Match Sponsors - THE DIDSBURY BLUES Our match sponsors today are The Didsbury Blues Official Supporters Club which was established in July 2008 and now has around 300 members.

The club welcomes new members from anywhere in the world and runs 2 double decker coaches from Didsbury to ALL home games (both league & cup matches), from The Nelson and The Fletcher Moss pubs.

A coach is run to most away games, with match tickets also being obtained for members. The club also holds monthly meetings, regular social events, and takes part in charitable activities (most notably Didsbury Festival), making year round substantial donations to a wide range of charities. This year the club has again been instrumental in supporting the Didsbury Lights.

The Didsbury Blues' Official Supporters Club meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month (unless City are playing) at locations in Didsbury. Please check details on the website for our next meeting.tc , For all enquiries please email: tickets.didsbury.blues@gmail.com

www.didsburyblues.com

Thank you to our Match Sponsor for the Abbey Hey game…

Dave Cooper

We owe a massive ‘thank you’ to Print On our print partners for the number of times they have dug us out of a hole to print our match programme in ridiculously short time scales… so thank you to Alex, Keith and James, we look forward to seeing you join us at a game!

Tel: 0161 428 5101 Unit 2, Ashurst Drive, Lawnhurst Trading Estate, Bird Hall Lane, Cheadle SK3 0SD www.printonuk.co.uk WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

CLUB MERCHANDISE…NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!!!

Support your local club and show your support with our latest official club merchandise!

New for this season at £6 (£5 for club members and supporters’ club members) we have beanie hats and a club crest scarf. There are now more ways than ever to buy club merchandise as in addition to being able to purchase on match days our new online club shop is open. Simply log on to www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk today to purchase what you want and have it delivered straight to your front door!

Wrist bands £1, Mugs at £5, Key rings at £1, Club badges at £3 Club Ties at £12.50 Programme Back Issues

Follow News Updates on West via Twitter and Facebook!

Can’t make it to the game and want live match updates? Wanting the very latest news from the club on the move? Make sure that you log onto our Facebook page for all the latest news, views and updates on all things West Didsbury & Chorlton by clicking on www.facebook.com/WestDidsburyChorlton Alternatively you can follow on the very latest goings on the club with exclusive content by logging onto Twitter and following us @WD_CFC (picture of club badge)

Ground Safety In the interest of spectator comfort and safety, the following conditions apply at the clubs Brookburn Road ground and must be observed at all times.        

In case of fire or other emergency that requires the clubhouse or ground to be evacuated instructions will be given over the public address system, and we ask that you comply with those instructions immediately.

The chanting of racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden.

Glasses, bottles, gas canisters, knives, darts, tools, flag poles or any other articles likely to cause injury are not permitted into the ground.

Alcohol may be purchased and consumed in the bar area only.

Children are not allowed in the Club House unless accompanied by an adult.

Encroachment onto the playing area is forbidden at all times.

Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas.

All forms of transport on the clubs car park is at the owners’ risk.

The club reserves the right to remove any person from the ground who is in breach of these rules or whose presence is a source of danger or annoyance to others. We hope you understand the reasons for the above are in order for the game to be enjoyed in safe and pleasant conditions.

Thank you, West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC Committee

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

League News The League Management Committee is now in a position to issue a further update on applications from clubs wishing to join our league in season 2016-17.

PROMOTION APPLICATIONS FROM STEP 7 LEAGUES Charnock Richard of the West Lancashire League have passed the required grading inspection for promotion, and the NWCFL have recommended to the FA Technical Panel that the grading is approved.

Prestwich Heys of the Manchester League and Sandbach United of the Cheshire League have also passed the required grading inspection for promotion, and the NWCFL have recommended to the FA Technical Panel that the grading is approved in both instances, subject to floodlight grant approval from the Football Foundation.

Carlisle City of the Northern Football Alliance have passed the required grading inspection for promotion, and their League has notified the FA that they are prepared to release two Clubs for promotion Step 6. Carlisle City have informed the FA of their wish to be placed in the NWCFL and are currently in 4th position in their league. They are currently 11 points behind the other club that has applied for promotion from their league, Blyth Town, who are top of the table and have also passed their grading inspection.

Whitehaven Amateurs of the Wearside League have passed the required grading inspection, and their League has also notified the FA that they are prepared to release two Clubs for promotion to Step 6. Whitehaven Amateurs have informed the FA of their wish to be placed in the NWCFL, but are currently in 14thposition in their league and unlikely to finish higher than the other two applicants for promotion from the Wearside League, Stockton Town and Redcar Athletic, who also have passed their grading inspections.

ENQUIRY TO TRANSFER TO THE NWCFL Stone Old Alleynians FC of the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division (a Step 6 league) have notified the FA that they wish to transfer to the NWCFL. The club, who were formed in 1962, currently sit in 11th place in their league and play their home fixtures at Wellbeing Park, Yarnfield, a familiar venue to the NWCFL as it was the home ground of former member club Stone Dominoes. However, as Stone Old Alleynians missed the 31st March deadline for application as per National League System Regulation 6.2, they have been informed that their request to transfer to the NWCFL will be subject to an FA decision regarding the lateral movement of a club.

UPDATE ON APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP The situation is unchanged with regard to the two new clubs who applied to join the league, FC Oswestry Town and City of Liverpool FC. Both clubs will attend interviews with the FA at Wembley during April.

As stated previously, both FC Oswestry Town and City of Liverpool FC have been informed that the Football Association have the final say as to whether the Club/s will be placed in our Step 6 Division, and that this will be dependent on whether or not there are any vacancies, after promotion and relegation issues to and from Step 7 Leagues are settled.

Both City of Liverpool FC as a new club, and FC Oswestry Town, who play in a League outside the National League System, are to be treated in the same way.

A report in the Non-League Paper on Sunday that stated City of Liverpool FC would be playing in the NWCFL next season is incorrect at this stage.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

NWCFL League Tables after games on Saturday 16th April

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Appearances and League attendance

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

NWCFL Premier Division Results this season

NWCFL Premier Division – Friday & Saturday 22 and 23 April Friday 22 April WEST v MAINE ROAD Saturday 23 April

Abbey Hey v Nelson AFC Liverpool v Ashton Athletic Alsager Town v Padiham Atherton Collieries v AFC Blackpool Colne v Bootle Runcorn Linnets v 1874 Northwich Silsden v Congleton Town Squires Gate v Runcorn Town Winsford United v Barnoldswick Town www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

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.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

NWCFL Premier Division

Friday 22 April 2016 West Didsbury & Chorlton

Maine Road

White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

All Sky Blue

Hayden Buckley-Smith (G) Paul Hughes (G) Sam Dee Callum Jones Scott Mason Mark Rodgers Š Anthony Potts Paul Socha Gary Lilley Rick Gleave Matty Kay Jonathan Poizer Lee Gavin Matt Eckersley Nic Evangelinos Ashley Woods Joe Shaw Ben Steer

Manager: Steve Settle Assts: Steve Brockley & Steve Eckersley

Ryan Livesey Joel Senior James Flynn Lewis Howard Jon Mason Rory Breslin Josh Tinker Matthew Morgan Matty Wilson Mike Burke Martin Hill Dominic Chatfield Darius Waldron Callum Broady Paul Casey Jack Langford

Manager: Chris Hirst Assistant: Jeff Newman

OFFICIALS Referee: SimonAssMather www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk Assistant Referees: James Thorburn & Jason McAuley