West Didsbury & Chorlton v Nelson

2012/13 SEASON

PROGRAMME ÂŁ1.50

Main club sponsor:

First Division Saturday, 9 March, 2013

v Nelson

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

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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

9th March 2013 – Nelson

Welcome back to Brookburn Road for our first home Saturday game since a couple of great midweek games under the lights and our away trips to Barrow and Formby. Today our visitors are Nelson FC who have a long and distinguished history as a club including a period in the Football League in the 1920’s as you will read elsewhere in today’s programme. Indeed their landmark victories away at Real Madrid and Manchester United were the subject of a special feature by Sky TV whose cameras were at Nelson last weekend in the run up to the Champions League tie at Old Trafford last Tuesday night. The glare of publicity certainly didn’t have an adverse effect on the team as Nelson romped to a 5-1 home victory against Irlam and their recent results have been improving since we played away at Nelson this season drawing 2-2 away midweek in mid September.

THE LONGEST DAY Last Saturday saw us travel to Holker in Barrow leaving Brookburn Road at 11.30am for the 200 mile round trip, compete with M6 accidents and diversions, before collecting another 3 points to add to the victory over a stubborn Eccleshall team the Tuesday night before. It was also good to take some away support on the coach to Cumbria and especially that Monica was able to have a day off from the demands of match day catering and for once be able to enjoy watching the full game from close quarters.

Last Monday was then another round trip of 100 miles to Formby after finishing work to eventually complete a fixture hit on two previous occasions by the weather. This was one of the best performances of recent years, if not the best, and our 1-0 victory over the league leaders was fully deserved. The team spirit and commitment level was fantastic and Formby had no answer to our disciplined approach to the game. When Lee Malkin slotted the winner with 13 minutes left it was no more than we deserved, having missed two great first half chances, and the roar from the dozen or so WEST supporters could be heard in Southport! The only downside was the unfortunate injury to Alex Baird who was having a great game before an unfortunate collision saw him carried off with a broken ankle and taken to hospital. This is really harsh on Alex who only returned to the side at Barrow after a long period out of action and we all wish him a speedy and full recovery.

Today is the first of 3 home games in quick succession, with Irlam visiting us next Tuesday night at 7.45pm and Atherton Collieries here next Saturday at 3pm. We then face another tough test away at Abbey Hey before hosting Leek and Daisy Hill in the week before Easter.

Our recent results have been great and put us in a decent league position with 11 games and another 33 points to play for. We will need to make the most of home advantage in our remaining games, particularly when the quirk of rearranged fixtures sees us play 5 of the next 6 at home during March. If we can keep the momentum going we then face a challenging April with 4 of our last 5 games away from home, but still all to play for.

FOOTNOTE The 2 games in 3 days away at Barrow and Formby also brought home just how much things have changed since last season and the greater demands on the squad, management and coaching staff and physios resulting from Saturday and midweek fixtures in addition to Thursday training nights. We have been faced with a much greater level of activity this year and have worked hard to cope with recent injuries.

In addition we really need 3 or 4 more helpers for pre-season and next season, especially to help at home on match days. If you can help out or know of anyone able and willing to get involved as a volunteer behind the scenes then please speak to Glyn, Dave, Monica or Rob In the meantime THANKS FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT – ENJOY THE GAME TODAY. Rob Turley Thanks to Mike Fryer for providing photos we use on the web and in the programme .

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

View from the Dugout It’s been a relief to get back to playing again after a series of postponements… and as we expected the games have been coming thick and fast as they have been rearranged quickly by the League. This has meant we have been playing two games a week through February, with this to continue into March.

Our return in this period as been good although we were disappointed to go out of two cup competitions to Ashton Town and Bootle of the Premiership, and this to an 88th minute penalty which we thought was very harsh. Our league form has been pleasing winning 3 against Chadderton, Eccleshall and last Saturday after a long journey Holker Old Boys, drawing against Ashton Town in a tight game and suffering defeat by the odd goal in a 5 goal thriller against high flying AFC Darwen, which in fairness could have been at least a draw. We were on our travels again on Monday night to play Formby; we started our NWCFL season losing narrowly to Formby 3-2 way back in August and we were delighted to secure a 1-0 away win against the league leaders. A great performance on the night with the players putting in a great shift particularly after the long haul to Holker.

Performances have been getting back to where they were before the enforced break. What has been noticeable has been our fitness levels, in many games we have gone on to win games by giving strong second half performances. It is also pleasing to see our goals coming from all around the team, with the defence chipping in more than half.

We hope you enjoy today’s game.

Andy Nelson and Steve Eckersley

CLUB MERCHANDISE We have just taken delivery of some new club merchandise to sell to help club funds and promote the club as shown on the photographs.

This includes: Mugs at £5, Key rings at £1, Club badges at £3 Club Ties at £12.50

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/

First Team – Fixtures, Results and Goalscorers…

Date KO H/A Opposition Score Scorers AUGUST 2012 Sat Aug 4 3.00 H Formby 2–3 Beckford, Walsh Wed Aug 8 7.45 A Chadderton 3–0 Potts, Walsh (2) Sat Aug 11 3.00 A Oldham Boro 4–2 Aston, C Jones, Walsh, Beckford Tues Aug 14 7.45 H Northwich Villa 1–1 Baird Sat Aug 18 3.00 A AFC Darwen 0–2 SEPTEMBER Sat Sept 1 3.00 H Cheadle Town FA - V 1–3 Bryant Tues Sept 4 7.45 A Leek CSOB 2–1 Shillito, Bryant Sat Sept 8 3.00 A Atherton LR 1–4 Bryant Sat Sept 15 3.00 H Oldham Boro 4–1 Kilbride, Summers, Shillito Wed Sept 19 7.45 A Nelson 2–2 L. Schofield, C Jones Sat Sept 22 3.00 A Cheadle Town 2–3 L. Schofield, Malkin Sat Sept 29 3.00 H Holker Old Boys 3-0 L. Schofield, Baldwin, Walsh OCTOBER Sat Oct 6 3.00 H Eccleshall LCC 1st Rd 4-0 Aston, S Jones, Baldwin, Walsh Tues Oct 9 7.45 A Bamber Bridge LCT 1-3 Summers Sat Oct 20 3.00 H Rochdale Town 2-0 Baldwin (2) Sat Oct 27 3.00 H Norton United LCC 2nd Rd 3-1 Malkin, L. Schofield, Walsh NOVEMBER Sat Nov 3 3.00 A Northwich Villa 0-2 Sat Nov 10 3.00 H Abbey Hey 2-1 C. Schofield, M Woodcock Sat Nov 17 3.00 A Daisy Hill 1-0 Potts Sat Nov 24 3.00 H Atherton LR FDT 2nd Rd 2 -0 Summers. Aston (pen) DECEMBER Sat Dec 1 3.00 A Irlam 1-1 Baldwin Sat Dec 15 3.00 H Cheadle Town 4-0 Walsh, S. Jones, Thomas, Malkin Wed Dec 26 3.00 H Leek CSOB A-A Sat Dec 29 3.00 H Irlam P-P JANUARY 2013 – No games FEBRUARY Sat Feb 2 3.00 A Ashton Town FDT Q-Final 1-3 Aston Sat Feb 9 3.00 H AFC Darwen 2-3 OG, Aston (pen) Tues Feb 12 7.45 H Chadderton 3-2 Shillito, S. Jones, Walsh Sat Feb 16 3.00 A Bootle LCC 2nd Rd 1-2 S. Jones Sat Feb 23 3.00 H Ashton Town 1–1 C. Jones Tues Feb 26 7.45 H Eccleshall 3-1 OG, S. Jones (2) MARCH Sat Mar 2 7.45 A Holker Old Boys 3-1 Malkin, Walsh, Baldwin Mon Mar 4 7.45 A Formby 1-0 Malkin Sat Mar 9 3.00 H Nelson Tues Mar 12 7.45 H Irlam Sat Mar 16 3.00 H Atherton Collieries Sat Mar 23 3.00 A Abbey Hey Tues Mar 26 7.45 H Leek CSOB Sat Mar 30 3.00 H Daisy Hill APRIL Mon Apr 1 3.00 A Rochdale Town Sat Apr 6 3.00 H Atherton LR Wed Apr 10 7.45 A Eccleshall Mon Apr 22 19.45 A Atherton Collieries Sat Apr 27 3.00 A Ashton Town FA V = FA Vase FDT= First Div Trophy LCC = League Challenge Cup LCT = Lancashire Challenge Trophy

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

CLUB NEWS… Club Helpers 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)

www.facebook.com/groups/westdidsburychorlton/

Quiz Night Don’t miss our Quiz Night on 16th March, please arrive at 6.00pm for a 6.15pm start in the clubhouse, further details will follow on our website. Leaflets are also available in the clubhouse.

This month the 200 Club winners are: £100 Lloyd Evans £60 Nathan Wakelam £40 Chris Stevens The next draw is on Monday 11th March 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.

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

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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.

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Standing is not allowed in front of the seated areas.

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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

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

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Our visitors… Nelson The origins of Nelson FC can be reputedly traced to a group of townspeople who in 1881, on witnessing a local football match between Burnley and Blackburn, were inspired to form their own team. However, it wasn’t until 1889-90 that they competed in a senior competition, joining the Lancashire League upon its formation. However in 1898-99 the original club was disbanded.

Just a few months after their demise, Nelson were reformed and accepted into the North East Lancashire League. In 1921 the thirteen non-reserve teams of the Central League were voted into the Football League's newly formed Third Division North. The first league match, on August 27th 1921, brought a record attendance at Seedhill of 9,000. The next season, 1922-23, saw the Blues lead a close race for much of the season, and five wins in a row during April saw them romp away to the title. One team was promoted from each of the Third Division North and South of the Football League at that time, and it meant Nelson were entering a nationwide league for the very first time. On the back of their title triumph, and in preparation for life in Division Two, Nelson took the remarkable step of an overseas tour to Spain, in May 1923. They performed with some success, winning two of their four games - a 2-1 success against Real Oviedo and a 4-2 victory at Real Madrid.

Unfortunately Nelson’s time in Division Two was to be short-lived, lasting just the one season in which they finished secondbottom of the table. It was clear early on that they were struggling both on and off the pitch, but they achieved some remarkable feats on the way. They had a home victory over champions-elect Leeds United, one of only nine league defeats for the Yorkshire side. And their first away victory came at Manchester United. Few non-league clubs can claim to have won away at both Real Madrid and Manchester United! A return to Division Three North brought a drop in attendances, though big games saw new records established, such as 13,500 for the visit of table-topping Darlington. That first season back in the third tier of the Football League saw a second-place finish to the North-Eastern side, hence no promotion, and was to be the last time the Blues seriously threatened a return to the national stage.

The next season brought a new and never beaten record attendance at Seedhill of 14,143 for the visit of leaders Bradford Park Avenue. The home team went two goals down but came back to draw 2-2. Two seasons later Nelson became serious strugglers, finding themselves £6,500 in debt. A rock-bottom finish meant a re-election application. They had conceded 136 goals during the season, and all the problems seemed to be down to insufficient gate receipts during difficult times for the area. Re-election was granted in 1928, but three seasons later Nelson were back in the same situation, and 1930-31 was to be their final season as a League club. Nelson struggled on in the Lancashire Combination without winning any honours, and things became much more bleak in 1936. A big loss was incurred that season and the club disbanded on 7th August.

Following the war, Nelson returned to action and to the Lancashire Combination. They were involved in some terrific tussles for the title with Wigan Athletic over the next few seasons, winning it twice in 1949/50 and 1951/52. The first title season also saw Nelson clinch the Lancashire Combination Cup to seal an historic Double in what was at the time one of the premier leagues in the country outside of the Football League. The men at the forefront of this period of success were two young player-managers. Centre-half Bob Johnson moved from Burnley for the start of the 1949/50 season and, when his contract expired, the Blues landed a young man from Manchester City, 30-year-old Joe Fagan. The team built by “Uncle Joe” romped to the title in his first season in 1951/52. Joe left to join Liverpool’s ‘boot room’ team in 1958 and 25 years later was the manager who took the Reds to a European Cup, League Championship and League Cup treble. As Fagan was beginning his long association with the Merseysiders, Nelson’s fortunes were to move, quite markedly, in the opposite direction. A third Combination Cup arrived in 1959/60, but a second place finish in 1960/61 was to be the nearest they came to winning the Combination title again. A third place was collected in the final season of that League in 1981/82 - which by this time had lost much of its former quality and status - before the restructuring of the non-league pyramid.

Nelson joined the Third Division of the newly created North West Counties League - an amalgamation of the Lancashire Combination and Cheshire County League - in 1982. During that era, Nelson also moved out of their old Seedhill ground, and it was sadly demolished to make way for the M65 motorway. The club were transferred into the Second Division of the North West Counties League when the Third Division was dropped six seasons later. A cruel end to the 2000/2001 season saw Nelson finish above Atherton LR in the third and final promotion place on the final day of the season, only to see the latter granted a replay of their final game as their opponents had fielded an ineligible player. Atherton won the replayed game to snatch away third spot from the Blues. Former Blackburn Rovers coach David Hall took over the manager’s role at the start of the 2004/05 season. Hall was to leave the following season, but his assistant Graham Howarth took over and oversaw an incredible late run which propelled the Blues to a third place finish, bringing with it a first promotion for the club in 83 years.

They fought off relegation threats and maintained a place in the Premier Division for four seasons before administrative troubles forced the club to resign from the NWCFL in 2010. Nelson rejoined in the First Division. Paul Paynter took the reins in 2011/12 and club finished the season in 15th position. November 2012 Nelson appointed a new manager in Mark Fell.

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

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First team reports‌ Tuesday 26th February: WEST 3 Eccleshall 1 A still cold evening at Brookburn Road saw a compelling game unfold under the lights after a slow start by both sides. There was little quarter given in a first half stalemate, which then gave way to an end to end second half of more open flowing football when West gained the ascendency and ultimately all 3 points.

Eccleshall came to Brookburn Road with a determined defensive formation with the result that the first 15 minutes saw neither keeper have to make a save with the only feature of note a scuffed shot past the post by the busy Gareth Thomas after a battling run took him past two defenders. The next opportunity came on 23 minutes when a Matt Eckersley cross was headed on by Mark Woodcock only for Callum Jones to direct his subsequent header straight at the keeper from 6 yards. Tre Willis and Lewis Schofield were trying hard to get past their markers but Eccleshall were doubling up effectively to prevent any damage and then on 43 minutes West had a let off when a defensive mix up saw the visitors almost take advantage.

This gave the visitors a boost and the half ended with a good run across the area from the Eccleshall 8 before too scuffed a shot wide.

The second half was a different story as West started with much more fluency and the opening 15 minutes saw a number of half chances as Thomas Lewis Schofield and Callum Schofield went close before a couple of Eccleshall free kicks from 20 yards were just wide. On 58 minutes Matt Eckersley shot over after Mike Aston won possession on the left wing before giving way to Lee Shillito and Lee Malkin came on for Tre Willis. The two substitutes made an immediate impact and injected some much needed pace into the proceedings as the visitors keeper made a series of fine saves as West raised the tempo. Something had to give and eventually the first goal came from a superb Thomas corner which was helped on its way into the roof of the net by the hapless Eccleshall defender.

Eccleshall changed shape to try and get back in the game but as they advanced the gaps opened up as both Malkin and Shillito began to run riot.

A second goal followed for West on 72 minutes when a swift and penetrating Shillito run released Callum Jones whose superb cross was volleyed home by brother Scott. Eccleshall stayed positive and nearly pulled one back on 75 minutes but Callum Jones was on hand to clear the danger. However, a minute later they were back in the game when a long ball forward saw the assistant referee flag for offside at which point the West defence stopped only for the referee to wave play on and enable Eccleshall’s Jones to walk the ball into an empty net. A strange one but another lesson on playing to the whistle.

Happily the West response was swift and in the 83rd minute Malkin raced clear only to be denied by another fine stop by keeper Bromley and a couple of minutes later it was the same duo, duel and result. Eventually the game was settled in the 86th minute when Malkin went racing past the visiting defence and his cross was headed on by Lee Shillito for Scott Jones to slot home his second and make it 3-1 to West.

Another 3 points in the bag and some impressive and incisive performances off the bench which changed the game and ultimate result.

Two goal Scott Jones

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

Saturday 2nd March: Holker Old Boys 1 WEST 3 West made the 100 mile trip to Barrow looking to build on midweek victory over Eccleshall and got off to a flying started with a goal inside the first 5 minutes when Gareth Thomas set Callum Jones clear down the right wing and his cross was pulled down and cracked home emphatically by Lee Malkin. A minute later and Tommy Walsh turned his marker and his effort was deflected just wide. On 11 minutes the irrepressible Thomas glided past two men and then fired narrowly wide as it was all one way traffic and the home side struggled to get a foothold in the game. It was 20 minutes before Holker had an attempt on goal when a looping cross from the left flank was headed high over the bar. The West response was instant with Shillito firing a great first time volley just over the bar from 25 yards with the Holker keeper Milligan nowhere. 2 minutes later Scott Jones played in Lee Malkin whose effort was saved at the foot of the near post, and then keeper Milligan was on hand again to save from Thomas.

An enforced substitution saw Alex Baird return to action for the injured Woodcock after 27 minutes as West continued to press for a second goal. Holker had another attempt on 35 minutes when a free kick was hoisted high and headed on but the Holker forward was well offside and the effort disallowed. At the other end a flowing move saw Potts moving forward to collect a Thomas pass and send Jones down the right yet again and as the cross was partly cleared Potts picked up the ball and fired over the bar from 20 yards. On 40 minutes West were 2-0 up when a thundering drive from Thomas was pushed onto the bar by Milligan and Tommy Walsh was on hand to head the rebound home for a fully deserved interval lead.

The second half was the same story with West opening at a terrific pace with another flowing Callum Jones, Malkin move finding Walsh whose effort on the turn was deflected wide and for the next 20 minutes West pressed the home further. On 65 minutes Holker had their first effort of the second half which was deflected over the bar and this was followed by a terrific effort from 20 yards which was kept out by a finger tip save from Ben Simpson. From the ensuing corner the ball went out of play off a Holker forward only for the referee to award another corner and this time an inswinging vicious delivery was headed home by Holker defender Capstick to halve the deficit. West stayed positive playing up the slope and again took the game to the home side and on 73 minutes Scott Jones was very unlucky when his low drive saw another finger tip save from Milligan. A minute later and it was 3-1 to West as Malkin chased an harried the home left back into a series of errors before a desperate attempt to clear was fired straight at Tre Willis who instantly cracked home a left foot drive to secure the 3 points and ensure an enjoyable return trip on the coach.

This was another good example of the importance of maintaining a strong squad and in the absence of both Schofield brothers both Dave Kilbride and Alex Baird slotted into the team producing determined and solid performances.

Monday 4th March: Formby 0 WEST 1 It is difficult to find the right words and phrases to describe a superlative West performance in defeating Formby on their own turf on Monday night, and inflict only their second defeat in the league this season. Formby started off at a cracking pace with Ben Simpson called upon in the first minute to make a great save low down to his right and for the next 20 minutes Formby switched play from side to side at pace as they tried to find a defensive weakness without success.

Tommy Walsh and Lee Malkin were harassing the home defence on the break and we had two good opportunities in as many minutes when firstly Callum Jones just couldn’t connect with a Thomas cross and then Walsh fired narrowly wide with a first time effort from another right wing cross.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Formby 0 WEST 1 continued…

In between Steve Settle came on for the unfortunate Alex Baird who was caught by a tackle after 32 minutes which finished his evening and resulted in an enforced ambulance journey to Southport A+E Department. West looked very solid up to the interval and Formby’s only other clear cut chance was in the 44th minute when Simpson went full length to tip one round the post as the ref blew for offside.

Formby had a further half chance in the opening minute of the second half but again the effort was blocked and at the other end probing passes from Thomas and surging runs forward from Settle began to ask questions of the home defence who looked vulnerable to our direct approach and pace. On the our Walsh had his rest after an hour of more or less constant running and chasing as Tre Willis took over and maintained the work rate. On 77 minutes the decisive break through came when White, Formby’s 2 goal hero from this season’s opening fixture, tried a cross field pass which Lee Malkin anticipated and intercepted before scampering through the middle to slot the ball through the keepers legs and secure another 3 points. In the last 15 minutes Formby again huffed and puffed but could not get behind a well disciplined defence with everyone playing their part on the night and captain Aston leading the way with an inspirational show.

Rob Turley

Visit Nelson A crew from Sky Sports were at today’s visitors Nelson last Saturday for their match against Irlam having made the trip to East Lancashire to explore the historic links between Nelson FC, Manchester United and Real Madrid, in advance of the Champions League tie at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

In season 1922-23, after Nelson were promoted from the Third Division North of the Football League, they undertook an overseas tour to Spain in May 1923, and won two of their four games - a 2-1 success against Real Oviedo and a 4-2 victory at Real Madrid. The following season they won 1-0 at Manchester United in a League game.

Sky have been using the footage from last Saturday in the run up to the game at Old Trafford on Tuesday night and the presence of the cameras inspired Nelson to their best win of the season so far beating Irlam 5-1.

Nelson Secretary Abdul Khan says that everyone at the club has been watching to Sky Sports and Sky Sports News with interest to see the footage from Saturday.

“It was quite a day for the club”, he said. “The Sky crew arrived at the ground at 2pm, an hour before kick off, and they interviewed our Chairman Fayyaz Ahmed, manager Mark Fell, club advisor Alan Pickering and Harry Manning, the reporter for local newspaper the Nelson Leader and a lifelong supporter of Nelson FC. They also spoke briefly to a few fans who were at the game, but they were particularly interested in the history of the club, and especially the victories over Real Madrid and away at Old Trafford in the same season.

Sky filmed the dressing room, warm up, and some of the goals of the game, and the report was aired first last Monday morning on Sky Sports and then repeated.

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

Reserve team reports‌ Summary of games from Christmas Since Christmas West Reserves have had mixed results. There has been a number of young exciting players introduced at various stages that are improving with every game they play.

These lads are beginning to gel with the more experienced players within the squad and this is showing in the results that the team have been achieving.

Ben Daniels was the first new player to join the squad, a young goalkeeper who made his debut away at Glossop and whilst the team were beaten 3-0 to a very experienced team Ben made a number of excellent saves and was given the Man of the Match Award.

On 12th January, we played away at AFC Darwen, Ben was joined by Josh Chisambo and Sok Dokubo both making their debut. The team played very well with Ben saving a penalty in the first half. We eventually lost the game to a poor refereeing decision late in the game when Darwen were awarded a second penalty, this time converting from the spot kick making the score 3-2. With Bobby Ashcroft and Tre Willis getting the goals for West.

Our next game was at home to Ashton Town in the cup with West winning a very hard fought cup tie 2-1, Matt Eckersley and Tommy Hendley scoring for West and 17 year old Jay Cosgrove making his debut on the left side of midfield.

Back on the road West went to top of the table New Mills, We opened the scoring through Bobby Ashcroft but eventually went down 4-1. Despite the result the team overall played well with signs that the new players were beginning to adapt to the level of football‌a very encouraging performance.

16th February saw the visit of 3rd placed Wigan Robin Park with Mike Kennedy back after a long layoff with injury and Conrad Betton making only his second appearance in goal due to an injury to Ben Daniels. The game was end to end stuff with both teams cancelling each other out. West went in at half time 2-1 up but could not hold onto the lead with the final score 3-3. Goals coming from Gary Lilley and 2 from Bobby Ashcroft.

Our next game was away to Irlam Town, again a team near the top of the league. We kept our philosophy of playing youth with 3 more 16 year old lads making their debuts, Nat AdamsCraig at right back, Cathal McLoughlin at right midfield and Tyler Cooke coming off the bench to play in centre midfield, 21 year old Luke Marsland also made his debut at left midfield. West were very unfortunate to lose the game by the odd goal in 3 with Bobby Ashcroft again scoring. The 4 new players making a very good impact on the game which can only good for the future of the club.

Our latest game was away to Runcorn Linnets who haven't been beaten in 9 games, the team put in a gritty performance with 5 lads under 20 making the starting 11 together with Ruairi Quinn playing his first game of the season. The game was very even at half time with the score 1-1 and whilst West were put under pressure in the second half we went into a 1-2 lead, Runcorn equilalised half way through the half and the game looked like it was going to end 22. Bobby Ashcroft scoring both goals. With 10 minutes to go Luke Marsland played the ball wide left for Bobby Ashcroft to run onto, he cut inside and placed the ball to the left of the Runcorn keeper to score his 3rd goal and make the score 3-2 which West held onto to get their first away win of the season.

Rob Madden

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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

NWCFL 2012-2013 Division One Fixtures - 9th March AFC Darwen v Rochdale Town Ashton Town v Chadderton Atherton Collieries v Leek CSOB Daisy Hill v Eccleshall Holker Old Boys v Oldham Boro Irlam v Abbey Hey Northwich Villa v Atherton LR West Didsbury & Chorlton v Nelson

West Reserve team fixtures: Cheadle Town Res, 16 March, (A) 3.00pm Reserve Team Cup – Round 1

Barnoldswick Town Res, 23 March, (H) 3.00pm Silsden Res, 30 March, (A) 3.00pm

NWCFL recent landmarks and news…

Saturday 23rd March - AFC Blackpool's second goal in their 2-0 win over Stone Dominoes, scored by Stephen Pickup in the 63rd minute, was the club's 900th home league goal.

Padiham Disqualified From League Challenge Cup - Padiham have been disqualified from the League Challenge Cup, having played an ineligible player in the previous round in their tie against AFC Blackpool. AFC Blackpool are therefore re-instated into the Competition. As a result, the revised quarter final tie is AFC Blackpool v. Maine Road, to be played on Saturday 9th March 2013.

Lancashire FA Co-operative Challenge Trophy Final – Tickets are now on sale for the game between Bacup Borough and AFC Fylde, which takes place on Monday 11th March 2013, kick off 7.45pm at the Reebok Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers FC. Tickets are available from both clubs and the Lancashire FA with admission prices as follows: Adults £8, Concessions £4.

Glossop North End – Club Director Paul Eccles is recovering at home after being attacked in France prior to last week’s Europa League match between Spurs and Lyon. Paul and his son Patrick were confronted by a group of 20 hooded men in the City’s Old Town on Wednesday evening. Amongst his injuries Paul has a broken shoulder whilst Patrick has escaped with cuts and bruises.

We wish them a speedy recovery.

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 on TheFA.com.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

We meet our Match Sponsor…Dave Cooper We are very grateful to Dave for sponsoring today’s match against Nelson, Dave has ties to Nelson where he was brought up although he is a West man through and through, he joined West Didsbury, as it was then called, in late 1979 just after his 29th birthday. Though there was much speculation in the local press, no transfer figure was ever listed. In fact, Shell Carrington pointedly refused to say how much they had paid West Didsbury to take him on. Dave got his big chance as a substitute for the second team at Christie’s playing field. Fortunately the left back was injured and Dave took his place and made it his own. Later that season, he broke into the first team. The next season, West took on a new first team manager who had played with Dave in the past and as a consequence his games for the first team were few and far between. So for most of the next ten seasons, Dave played left back for the seconds. However, players were short one weekend and the second team manager pushed Dave into midfield, on his birthday no less, and he scored two magnificent goals. The second team manager was a certain R.Turley and apparently he doesn’t like people outscoring him so Dave was back to left back the next game. Dave won second team player of the year award. It was presented to him by a new Manchester Utd manager; A. Ferguson; whatever happened to him. In the early 80s Dave joined the committee serving as Secretary and Treasurer for many years.

Dave’s (now in his early forties) sporadic first team appearances were finally ended by Club President Brian Cripps, the first team manager, who surprising brought him back into the first team for one game after which he said ‘Dave, I thought you had a great game, you did everything I could ask and don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get a game in the second team next week’ such praise.

Latterly, Dave went to play for and manage the third team and then the fourth team and of course the vets team before retiring in 1999 just before his 49th birthday. His knees had finally collapsed.

One of the highlights of Dave’s career was winning the Clubman of the year and having it presented by Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford. Another ‘highlight’ was after scoring a rare goal, reading in Geoff Garnett’s column in the South Manchester Reporter ‘ Dave Cooper, whose goals are rarer than rocking horse droppings finally managed to force the ball over the line’.

Dave left the club in 1999 after it had relocated and established itself at Brookburn Road but after a few years watching Burnley, decided to return to the now called ‘West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC’ and help out on committee. Shortly afterwards he was one again elected Treasurer and can currently be found after most games behind the bar annoying Monica. However, Dave would like to thank all the friends he has made at West for all the enjoyable times he has had with them mainly on Saturday afternoons.Interested

in sponsoring one of our matches?

Interested in sponsoring one of our matches?

Then please speak to Rob, Steve or John – refer to details inside the front cover

– refer to details inside the front cover http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/westdidsburychorlton/

NWCFL Division One Table Tables accurate after 4th March games

Home P

W

D

L

Away

F

A

W

D L

F

A

GD Pts

1.

Formby

18 8

0

2 30

16

8

0 0 34

11

37 48

2.

3.

4.

23 8 20 9 22 6

1 0 1

2 25 3 31 2 28

13 12 16

7 6 7

1 4 35 1 1 26 3 3 26

25 4 18

22 47 41 46 20 43

23 7

2

2 27

13

6

2 4 20

18

16 43

6.

7.

8.

9.

AFC Darwen Abbey Hey Atherton Collieries West Didsbury & Chorlton Ashton Town Cheadle Town Oldham Boro * Nelson

21 23 26 22

8 7 5 6

1 4 4 1

0 2 4 4

33 25 19 22

10 18 19 18

5 4 6 2

2 1 0 3

5 5 7 6

26 15 27 18

14 19 20 30

35 3 7 -8

42 38 34 28

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

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

22 23 20 23 24 22 23 22 19

5 4 2 4 2 3 1 1 2

3 5 20 2 3 16 4 5 9 2 5 14 3 7 19 1 6 14 3 10 18 3 6 15 0 7 10

27 14 21 21 27 24 46 23 24

2 3 4 1 3 3 3 3 2

3 3 2 5 3 2 2 1 1

4 8 3 6 6 7 4 8 7

18 21 20 10 14 14 14 16 8

19 36 16 17 26 33 17 29 23

-8 -13 -8 -14 -20 -29 -31 -21 -29

27 26 24 22 21 21 17 16 13

P W

D

L

F

A

14 16 17 16 16 15 14 17 15 13 19 18 16

2 2 5 2 1 6 3 4 3 5 5 4 2 5 2 9 2 7 1 7 2 13 2 12 2 11

45 48 35 29 45 35 29 27 26 25 32 23 26

20 25 32 25 23 32 32 3 31 16 13 30 36 9 27 27 8 23 30 -1 23 24 3 20 35 -9 20 29 -4 15 47 -15 14 43 -20 14 61 -35 11

5.

NWCFL Reserves Table 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

New Mills Padiham Cheadle Town Irlam Wigan Robin Park Runcorn Linnets Barnoldswick Town Glossop North End Nelson Ashton Town * West Didsbury & Chorlton Silsden AFC Darwen

10 9 10 9 8 6 7 6 6 5 4 4 3

GD Pts

*Point deducted for breach of rule

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

From the terraces…

It was a sunny, almost picturesque day at Brookburn Road last Saturday and the pitch looked in incredible condition. Unfortunately we were unable to enjoy it for long as we boarded the coach for our 198 mile round trip to Holker Old Boys and the longest away game in the clubs history to date.

The hope was that the weather would be similar when we got there as the ground was close to the Barrow coastline. Happily when we arrived, albeit a delay on the motorway due to an accident, it was quite mild, with the sky clouded over and no wind; perfect conditions for football.

Any worries about the long coach journey were quickly expelled when Lee Malkin put West one up inside five minutes and Tommy Walsh added a second before half time after a booming shot from Gaz Thomas hit the bar. An ultra short half time gave us a chance to warm ourselves up against some surprisingly warm radiators and check the half times. The first 15 minutes of the second half were the key as Holker had the advantage of playing down the slope with tiring legs and were content to knock the ball long down the middle. West were unlucky not to keep a clean sheet as Holker pulled one back from a corner that shouldn’t have been given, fortunately a thunderous shot from Tre Baldwin-Willis restored our two goal advantage and Ben Simpson made a great double save as West comfortably saw out the game. In the end it was a confident display from the team. They scored three terrific goals and really put in a shift despite having to play against a significant slope in the second half.

Afterwards it was back into the clubhouse for tasty pie, gravy and peas and more ‘hospitality’ to warm the body before we boarded the coach back to Chorlton. Also a special mention to Andy Nelson who could easily be the next spokesperson for Daz as his new method for washing the kit, washing them with ‘some new stuff’ and five or six at a time I overheard him say on the coach. The whites of the shirts were as dazzling as the performance by the players wearing them.

By the time you are reading this we will have played our second away fixture of the week at table topping Formby and we’ll have had a positive result to add to the reserves terrific 3-2 victory at Runcorn Linnets.

Happy Dave Cooper Day. Enjoy the Game.

Rob McKay

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

Shirt Number Sponsors…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

North West Counties Football League First Division Saturday 9th March 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 Alex Baird Tre Baldwin Willis

Nelson Royal blue shirts, shorts and socks

Chris Turner (gk) Ashley Higgins Adnan Ahmed Liam Hutchinson Jamie Scott Javeed Mohammed Max Jones Danny Finch Daniel Johnson Adam Stockdale Nat Taylor Tom Murphy Tom Anderton Paddy O’Brien Brandon Barski Darren MacKenzie Warren Beattie Amjad Iqbal Kalim Hafeji

Manager: Andy Nelson

Manager: Mark Fell

Assistant: Steve Eckersley

Assistant: Tim Breaker

Referee: Ian Muncaster

OFFICIALS: Assistants: Stephen Jones & Denis McCarthy

NEXT HOME GAME: Tuesday, 12th March, 2013 – Kick-off:7.45pm

WEST v Irlam 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/