2015-16 SEASON
Official Programme
£ 2.00
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round
Barton Town OB Saturday 5 September 2015 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC 3.00pm
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 Paddy Murphy Magdalena Maria ‘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 Curry 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
Barton Town OB
It is FA Vase time again today as we welcome the players, officials and supporters of Barton Town Old Boys from Humberside for their first visit to The Recreation Ground. This competition is a welcome break from the hectic early season league programme and a chance to test ourselves against clubs in the other Step 5 and Step 6 regional leagues in the National League system. Inside you will find a map showing the areas covered by the different regional leagues whose member clubs compete in the FA Vase. Although we’ve only competed in the FA Vase in the past 5 seasons this will be our fourth game against a club from the Northern Counties East League. Our first Vase adventure came in our last season in the Manchester League when we lost 2-1 away to Ashville from the West Cheshire League at this stage. The following season was another disappointment and a home defeat against Cheadle Town meaning we could concentrate on the league, going on to win promotion at the end of our inaugural season in the NWCFL, also guaranteeing entry in the FA Cup. The third attempt saw our first victory winning 2-1 away at Rossington Main before an away exit at the hands of Staveley MW, both clubs from the Northern Counties East League. Last season we again defeated Rossington 2-1, this time at home, before going down 1-2 against eventual Wembley finalists Glossop North End. Barton Town are another NCEL Premier Division side with impressive league credentials in recent seasons. They were promoted to the Premier Division for the start of the 2011-12 season when they finished 11th and since then have finished 8th in 201-13, runners up in 2013-14 and 5th last season. This season they had played 4 league games when we went to print with two wins and two defeats to date. In the FA Cup they have already put paid to Squires Gate from our division, after coming back from 0-2 down at home in the first game to secure a replay in Blackpool. In that game they let a 2-0 lead slip before eventually going through 4-2 after extra time. Last Saturday they lost narrowly 1-2 at home to Droylsden in the Preliminary Round. We know we are in for a hard game today against a team which never knows when it’s beaten and we will need to show the same fighting spirit which characterised our away game at Darwen and home game against 1874 Northwich on Monday, both of which we could have won. We need to eliminate the defensive errors which are costing us dearly and start converting the many chances we’re creating. Last Saturday we played well at Darwen and although we went behind and down to ten men after taking the lead, the team responded with terrific commitment and in the closing stages secured a fully deserved equaliser and went close on two occasions to taking all 3 points. The decision to switch Tuesday evening’s game to Bank Holiday Monday afternoon was fully justified by the attendance of 229, and the home fans saw another tremendous fight back from 0-3 interval deficit reducing the arrears to 2-3 with 15 minutes left. Unfortunately lady luck was again looking the other way as 1874 Northwich hung on to claim all 3 points leaving many of their supporters conceding that our overall display deserved at least a share of the spoils. At present we are also suffering with a long injury list including Mark Rogers, Richmond Botchey, Sam Dee, Ben Steer, Michael Simcock, Scott Jones, and Ben Richardson. We wish them all well with their recoveries under the watchful eye of physio Winston and look forward to seeing them all back in action as soon as possible. Next week we’re on the road to Bootle on Tuesday night but the trip to Congleton on Saturday 12th is off as Congleton have an FA Cup tie then. Please check the club website at www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk for details of any fixture change for next weekend. In the meantime we trust you will ENJOY THE GAME today, and have a safe journey home. Please take care and drive slowly on leaving the ground and on Brookburn and neighbouring roads.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
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Steve Settle’s Notes Good afternoon and welcome to Brookburn Road for this afternoons FA Vase tie against against Barton Town. Barton operate in the very competitive Northern Counties East League and they have attained top 6 finishes for the last couple of seasons. We hope their staff, players and supporters enjoy our hospitality and, after today, we wish them well for the rest of the season. Today is a very important game for the club. The FA Vase is obviously a nationally prestigious competition and its important for the club in the context of our season that we get a win today. The prize money would be well received but after our stuttering start I feel a good cup run could really kick start our season. I write these notes on the back of a bank holiday weekend which should have seen us pick up 6 points and the fact that we only have 1 to show for our efforts paraphrases our season so far. There have been some good performances in amongst some poor ones and flashes of what we are capable of. Prior to the game at Darwen I added to the squad with Hayden Buckley-Smith, Martin Parker and Ben Richardson, signed on dual registration from Glossop. Ben showed his quality almost immediately by scoring a great individual goal to put us 1-0 up at half-time. We then had our Goalkeeper sent off conceding a penalty in the process before finding ourselves 2-1 down shortly after. The lads showed great character with 10 men, scored a really good goal through Johnny Pozier and then had 2 guilt edge chances to win. I was disappointed that we were unable to take one of the chances to take 3 points home but I was pleased with the way the boys battled back with 10 men and looked the better team despite the numerical disadvantage. The Northwich game on Monday was similarly disappointing. Despite working on defending set pieces repetitively on the training ground, it is clear we still have work to do in that department. 3-0 down at half time I reiterated to the boys what football at this level is about. We can talk tactics and formations all day but if you don’t have the desire to win tackles and fight for every loose ball we might as well not bother.
In the 2nd half we were exceptional. Northwich could not have complained had we scored 6 goals in the 2nd half and although we couldn’t quite get the equaliser, the way we played has given us all some belief and confidence that more positive results are just around the corner. The lads said afterwards how much they appreciate the support we are getting despite the results not going our way. We are a tight knit group and when things don’t go your way it’s often easy to criticise but we are desperate to turn things around for the club and the fans. On the injury front we are still missing Richmond Botchey, Mark Rogers and Sam Dee although they are getting close to fitness. Ben Steer will start light training this week however Michael Simcock and Scott Jones will both be out for the foreseeable future with knee ligament damage. Enjoy the game and thanks for the support!
Setts WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Nelson 4 West 2 ‌match report A brave performance from a make shift West side was overshadowed by some questionable refereeing decisions as they lost 4-2 on a wet night in Lancashire. West travelled to Nelson without three of their first choice back four as Michael Simcock joined Mark Rogers and Richmond Botchey on the treatment table. In addition they were without Rick Gleave as well as Ben Steer and even the manager himself only able to make a place on the bench. There was good news as Tommy Walsh made his first competitive start for almost 2 years. Both teams immediately took advantage of the superb Little Wembley surface which allowed for quick passing football and it was Nelson who made the first chance of the game firing over from the edge of the area. West hit back immediately hit back as Walsh broke the offside trap and fired a powerful shot from the wing but it deflected kindly into the keepers hands West went close again as they won a free kick at the edge of the Nelson penalty area. Mason stood over it but curled his shot inches wide of the post. The short pitch meant there was no shortage of chances as Matt Eckersley made a great diving block in front of goal to prevent Nelson from taking the lead. West continued to enjoy a good spell of pressure down the right with Wolden and Walsh combining well causing the Nelson defence trouble. On the other wing a great pass inside from Schofield found Mason in the Nelson penalty area and a great block prevented a certain goal. On 27 minutes the game altered as Nelson were awarded a penalty when Hughes was adjudged to have brought down the Nelson winger despite the entire ground being of same opinion that he had cleanly taken the ball. Peter Wright drilled the penalty into the bottom left hand corner. Hughes who had been a spectator until that point was immediately called upon as he made a world class save from a ferociously shot from 30 yards. The goal didn't disrupt West as they forced another great move down the right, Mason was played through into the box but his shot was tipped onto the side netting. Moments later West had their own penalty shout as Tommy Walsh was clearly hauled to the ground but nothing was given. It would get worse for West as Nelson won a free kick on the half way line for a similar challenge
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for which they had been denied a penalty moments earlier. The ball was launched into the box and cleared for a corner by Scott Jones. However the referee, perfectly positioned to see this, ignored a blatant charge on Jones as he headed the ball away. It would get worse for West as the corner was swung into the near post and Peter Wright headed home to give Nelson a two goal lead into half time. West came out for the second half determined to get themselves back into the game and did so on 54 minutes when Scott Mason's shot from 25 yards struck the hand of the Nelson centre half and deflected into the bottom left hand corner. Luck for Nelson as the defender had been inside the area and should it have not gone in the referee would have been forced to show the defender a red card for denying of a clear goalscoring opportunity. West took charge and almost level when they whipped a wicked free kick into the penalty area. The ball was knocked down and bounced up to Lee Gavin who from two yards out managed to get underneath it and head over with an open net at his mercy. On 66 minutes West fell further behind when Anthony Potts conceded a free kick from 35 yards out and was shown a yellow card. Richard Mercer stepped up and fired the free kick over the wall and in off the inside of the post, a superb free kick. Still West would not give in and Lewis Schofield forced the Nelson goalkeeper into an excellent save of his own unleashing a rocket of a shot from 30 yards out with the goalkeeper tipping over the bar. Sub Ashley Woods fired a low shot just wide of the post on the turn. On 76 minutes it was 4-1 as Sub Sam Mitten passed it to the referee on the half way line. The ball fell straight to Ashley Brierly who ran the length of the field and fired it in at the far post. West continued to press and pulled a goal back on 88 minutes when Jamie Wolden released Gavin with a brilliant pass over the Nelson defence and Gavin made amends for his earlier miss brilliantly lobbing the onrushing Nelson keeper. West might have made stoppage more nervy for Nelson when they won a free kick at the edge of the area but Mitten curled it inches over with keeper well beaten.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
AFC Darwen 2 West 2 ‌match report Despite being forced to play with 10 men and no recognised goalkeeper for more than half an hour West fought back valiantly from a goal down at AFC Darwen earn a point. Steve Settle handed debuts to three players as Hayden Buckley-Smith replaced Paul Hughes in goal with Martin Parker replacing Callum Jones in defence and Ben Richardson replacing Scott Mason in midfield. West started the brighter of the two teams in a first half with few chances with Lewis Schofield creating the visitors first chance on 18 minutes when he fired an effort from the left wing into the side netting. A minute later Jamie Wolden played a superb pass onto the right to Tommy Walsh but the Bull couldn't get a shot in. West continued to press and should have had a penalty on 23 minutes when Lee Gavin was blatantly tripped in the penalty area. Darwen under pressure then conceded possession under pressure at the edge of their own penalty area, the ball fell to Schofield but he hit the shot first time and fired wide from 25 yards. Darwen had a sole shot as they won a free kick at the edge of the penalty area but the shot was curled straight into the hands of BuckleySmith in the West goal. On 32 minutes West had another huge shout for a penalty as Richardson beat the left back and raced into the box, however he full back charged into the back of him on the touch line and again the referee didn't deem it to be a penalty. On 38 minutes West deservedly had the lead as Richardson twisted and turned and the edge of the penalty and curled a superb shot into the top corner to score on his debut. In the second minute of first half stoppage time Scott Jones became the latest West injury casualty as he came off the worse in a 50-50 challenge and was forced off with ligament damage with Ashley Woods replacing him. In the second half West should have immediately gone two up as Buckley-Smith's kick cleared the both teams, Richardson reacted quickest racing clear through but couldn't get his shot on target. 5 minutes later Darwen were level as they tried a long ball of their own, the Darwen forward raced through, tried to round Buckley-Smith got caught and hit the deck. However the forward got back up and still managed to get his shot on target with Matt Eckersley clearing on the line. A penalty but the Darwen striker had only been denied a
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clear goalscoring opportunity by the enthusiasm with which the referee blew his whistle. After several minutes of treatment for BuckleySmith, with the Darwen fans whistling their derision that he should be allowed to receive treatment, for suspected concussion Paul Cootes stepped up and fired his penalty down the middle past stand in goalkeeper Richardson, who played on despite suffering a suspect broken foot himself in the challenge for a penalty in the first half. Darwen suddenly lifted themselves at their sudden good fortune and came close again when a speculative long range effort from range dipped and clipped the top of the bar. On 69 minutes they had the lead in controversial circumstances as Coote ran at the defence, passed it forward to Karl Turner who was stood in an offside position and finished past Richardson in the West goal as the linesman failed to flag as he couldn't keep up with play. However West refused to go quietly as Jonny Poizer and Sam Mitten replaced Wolden and Walsh up front. Mitten went close almost immediately heading into the goalkeepers hands at the near post. Despite having just 10 West's pressure was rewarded on 83 minutes when a superb pass from the wing found Poizer from 25 yards out, a brilliant touch killed the pass dead, he twisted and fired a low left footed shot into the bottom right hand corner past the helpless Darwen goalkeeper. It was West now with the momentum and Jordan Poole could have won it for West as a great pass from Lee Gavin found Mitten on the right. Mitten's cross found Poole at the far post who headed the ball downwards past the goalkeeper but also past the post. Poole had a second chance to win it as he headed wide again, this time from closer and the entire goal at his mercy. West could have again won it at the death as they stretched the Darwen defence, the ball found Woods in the middle who turned and fired a shot into the bottom right hand corner but this time the linesman flag shot up. Despite playing for more than a 100 minutes of football it was Darwen who were more grateful for the final whistle from the death as West looked the more likely to win the game at the death even with 10 men.
Looking back our new feature on Football History No 5 We all know about the exploits of the giants that are Manchester United and Manchester City. Across the country, and even the world, iconic places and people like Old Trafford, Maine Road, Bert Trautman and George Best are regularly spoken of with fondness and reverence. But Manchester has seen a great many more interesting pieces of footballing history. Here, we explore some of the lesser known aspects of Manchester's rich tapestry of football history.
Ashton National FC Ashton-under-Lyne is home to two illustrious non league clubs in the form of Ashton United and Curzon Ashton, but most of that town's population will probably not be aware of another club that once existed in the area, the pioneering Ashton National F.C. Ashton National were formed in 1920, with the support of the National Gas and Oil Engine company which was based in the town. They began play in the Cheshire County League, facing off against some of West's modern day North West Counties opponents including Winsford and Runcorn, as well as reserve sides from the likes of Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale. The newly formed club did not have to wait long to find success, finishing in third place in only their second season. But it was at the start of the 30s that the National carved out their own little piece of football history. A friendly against Hyde, played in December 1932 and watched by a crowd of more than 6,000, is believed to be the world's first fully floodlit football match. It was the club's affiliate Gas Company who organised this brave event, providing the lighting, consisting of 40 electric lamps, at a time when the FA disapproved of floodlights so much that they banned member clubs from playing on them. How times change! These days, as most readers will know, it is compulsory for clubs from tier 1 to 10 to have floodlit grounds.
But this was not Ashton National's only claim to fame. Throughout their history, they persistently signed notable international players tempting them away from their top flight clubs with the promise of higher wages. Again, this was down to the influence of the Gas and Oil Company, which could afford to pay players the princely sum of ÂŁ15 a week in some cases! In the 30s, there was a wage cap in the football league of ÂŁ8 per week and so the club were able to tempt down the likes of Chelsea forward Alec Jackson as well as a host of other top class players. But the big spending never really paid off for the club, as they never finished higher than 3rd in the Cheshire League. They did, however, have success in the Manchester Premier Cup, winning the competition 3 times, in 1937, 1940 and 1945. The club was disestablished after the Second World War after struggling to compete with the proliferation of clubs in the area after losing funding from their parent company. They still had a part to play in football in the area though, as their National Park ground was used as the home of Curzon Ashton until 2005. Sadly, after Curzon Ashton's move to the Tameside Stadium, the old ground was demolished and a housing estate now stands in its place.
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Visiting Brookburn Road today Barton Town OB Barton Town Old Boys Football Club was formed at the start of the 1995/96 season as a result of the amalgamation of the two longest established and most successful clubs in the North Lincolnshire town of Barton upon Humber, Barton Town FC and Barton Old Boys FC. Barton Town had been in existence for well over 100 years, being formed in 1880, and playing out of their Marsh Lane ground, still the home of the new club, since 1927. “ Town “ was one of the founder members of the Lincolnshire League winning it in 1960/61, before embarking on its “ golden era “ over the following two decades, initially in the Midland League and then, particularly, in the Yorkshire League. The club returned to the Lincolnshire League in the early 1980s, winning the first division title in 1981/82. The “ Swans “ remained in the league for the next 10 years before dropping out for the usual off-field reasons, lack of help and finance. Barton Old Boys had been a member of the Scunthorpe and District League since 1959, eventually boasting two sides, in the first and second divisions. Over the ten-year period from the mid-1980s, Barton Old Boys were arguably the most consistently successful team in the league, culminating in 1994/95 with the winning of all four major Scunthorpe League competitions, a first at the time. To progress the two clubs merged and started the 1995/96 season in the Lincolnshire League. After a disastrous start, the new Barton Town Old Boys finished fourth and won the Lincs. County Senior "B" Cup for good measure. 1996/97 saw the team's fortunes peak, winning the League and Challenge Cup “ double “, since when another County Cup triumph and two more Challenge Cup titles have been added to the list of honours. After five seasons in the Lincolnshire League, things were starting to turn stale, on and off the pitch, so the decision was made to move on, into the newly formed Humber Premier League for the start of the 2000/01 season. Despite being the only side from south of the River Humber, the team finished third. However, to gain a foothold on the football pyramid the decision was made to move on again. Consequently, Barton Town Old Boys joined the Central Midlands League for the start of the 2001/02 season, bringing in Leigh Palin
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as first team coach to work alongside manager Peter Mitchell. The move paid off as the team finished runners up in the Premier Division, gaining automatic promotion to the Supreme Division for the start of the 2002/03 season. After a difficult start to the following season, Palin left the club in October 2002 and was succeeded in January 2003 by Alex Irvine who joined the club as joint manager, working alongside ex Hull City and Brigg Town player Neil Buckley. After flirting with relegation, the team put together a run of nine wins from the last 12 games to finish the season in 13th position. Alex Irvine left the club that summer, leaving Neil Buckley in sole charge. 2003/04 saw the team finish in 7th place, separated from the top six by goal difference only. There was further improvement in 2004/05 as Buckley, alongside long-serving Old Boys player Ian Durnian as assistant manager, saw the progress continue as the team claimed fourth spot, being denied a top three place only because of a draw in the final game of the season. Summer 2005 marked the installation of state of the art floodlights at the Marsh Lane ground and that, along with the securing of a long term sponsorship deal with the local Euronics Centre, signaled the club's intent both on and off the pitch prior to season 2005/06. On the pitch, that intent was certainly realised as the title of Supreme Division Champions 2005/06 was added to the club's list of honours.[1] Off the field, ground grading requirements prohibited promotion to the Northern Counties East League, the club's immediate ambition. As a result, the club embarked on an extensive redevelopment programme, bringing in Paul Friskney as chief executive officer to oversee the project which involved, amongst other things, turning the playing area and floodlights through 90°, new access, car-parking, changing rooms, clubhouse and stands. Supreme Division runners-up at the end of the 2006/07 season, the club was in the position of being considered once more for promotion to the Northern Counties East League and this time the facilities were deemed acceptable. Ninth place in Division One was the outcome of the club's first foray in the NCEL, although the team had been promotion contenders until around about the turn of the year, before loss of form, injuries and suspensions took their toll. A great run in the League Cup, which saw a number of Premier Division sides beaten at Marsh Lane en route to the semi-final provided some consolation for missing out. After five seasons at the helm, late July 2008 saw the
resignation of Neil Buckley, due to increased work commitments. The club responded promptly, promoting coach Carl Stead to the hot-seat to work alongside existing assistant manager, Ian Durnian and newly appointed player/coach, Craig Burdick. In the 2008/09 season the team finished in fifth place after another dip in form in the new year, which saw the team slump from promotion contenders to also-rans, some eleven points adrift of a guaranteed promotion slot. The disappointment of missing out was compounded by the loss of a number of key senior players who had been instrumental, with others, in the club's success over the previous four seasons. The 2009/10 season proved to be another season of two halves. In contrast to the previous two seasons, it began poorly, one or two bright spots notwithstanding, and, plagued by a number of injuries, showed little sign of improvement as the season wore on. With the team marooned in mid-table in late November 2009 and finding it increasingly difficult to
balance family and work commitments with football, Carl Stead resigned. Ian Durnian assumed the mantle of caretaker until a new management team of Dave Anderson and Mally Parker was appointed in early January 2010 and led the team to a sixth place finish, largely on the back of an unbeaten away run stretching back to January. In their first full season at the helm Anderson and Parker guided the side to promotion to the Premier Division, the highest level in the history of the club. Promotion was finally secured on the last day of the season. After a fraught start, the first season in the top flight saw the club finish 11th, helped in no small way by a seven match winning streak, part of a longer unbeaten run in all competitions during November and December. The team also made it through to two cup finals, the County Senior Trophy and the President's Cup. The following season it was an 8th place finish followed by runners up position in 2013-14 and then 5th position last season.
Leagues participating in the FA VASE today:
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers
Next at Brookburn Road… NWCFL
v Padiham - Saturday 19th September, 3 pm v Runcorn Linnets Saturday 26th September, 3pm
MEN United Cup Draw West have been handed a home tie in the second round of the MEN United Cup draw and will face the winners of Eccleshall or Chadderton. No date has been confirmed yet for the ties.
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First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers
This Months 200
Club winners…
£100 winner: Landen Clarke £60 winner: John C returned to club £40 winner: H Johnstone
Thank you to our last match sponsor We are very grateful to Pennant for sponsoring our last home game against 1874 Northwich on Bank Holiday Monday.
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West 2 1874 Northwich 3 ‌match report A threadbare West team missing no fewer than nine first choice players battled back from three goals down at half time narrowly failing to earn themselves a point at home to 1874 Northwich. With just the bare bones to pick from West played with the back three of Anthony Potts himself suffering from a groin strain, a flu-ridden Martin Parker and Matt Eckersley. Lewis Schofield took up the unfamiliar position of left wing back as the curse of the full back struck again as Scott Jones missed out through knee ligament damage joining Michael Simcock on the treatment table which had already claimed Richmond Botchey. With Scott Mason, Rick Gleave, Benjamin Richardson, Mark Rogers and Sam Dee all unavailable in midfield a rare start was handed to Sam Mitten who played behind the strike partnership of Jonny Poizer and Ashley Woods with Ben Steer still out injured. Such was the shortage of numbers West manager Steve Settle named himself and Head Coach Stephen Brockley amongst the subs. The opening exchanges were tight as neither side looked like taking the initiative with Wests first chance as a low shot into the goalkeepers hands from Woods when he turned and shot from a tight angle. On 13 minutes 1874s first chance came from a move down the left which saw the ball fall to Michael Brandon six yards out but his shot was deflected over for a corner. From the same corner 1874 took the lead as cross came in the ball was flicked on into the hands of Hayden Buckley-Smith but he spilled and Brandon smashed the ball into the net. West fought back and Poizer almost found a way back in but he was tackled at the edge of the penalty area before he could release the trigger. The games first controversial moment of the game as Potts was on the receiving end of a horrendously late challenge by Paul Connor but did not receive so much as a yellow card for the challenge. On 25 minutes it was 2-0 as West lost possession from their own throw in right by the corner flag of their own goal, the ball found its way to Neil Chappell who played a lovely one-two pass inside the area and smashed a shot into the top left hand corner of the net. A destructive eight minutes was completed on the half hour mark as 1874 Northwich made it 3-0 as West failed to deal with yet another corner and Brandon netted again. West tried to finish the half strongly as Poizer fired a free kick at the goalkeeper after another really late foul at the edge of the area before Woods hit a shot at the keeper after a great through ball released him. It might have been worse for West as on the stroke of half time Brandon fired
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a free kick from the edge of the penalty but put it into the hands of the West goalkeeper. Whatever was said by the management at half time had a massive effect as West stepped it up in the second half and put 1874 on the back foot for pretty much the entirety of it. A defence splitting pass found Poizer whose shot was blocked but it fell to Poole who fired wide from a narrow angle. Poizer again had another chance but a last gasp tackle prevented a certain goal but it earned West a corner. The corner was swung in by Poole going almost straight in at the near post but it was cleared off the line. Great passing football from West found Lee Gavin on the right but he unselfishly decided to square rather than shoot with Woods waiting to strike but it was cleared away. West went close again with Poizer shooting from the edge of the area with the keeper saving it by sitting on it. West finally got the goal their play deserved on the hour mark when Ashley Woods was hauled down at the due of the penalty area. After a long delay Jordan Poole stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. West were almost immediately through on goal again as a magical cross field pass from Schofield found Poizer who chested the ball down and volleyed just over from 25 yards. Poizer would go close again when a West corner found him at the far post but Poizer hooked over from point blank range, Wests pressure continued and they further reduced the deficit when Callum Jones played a one-two at the edge of the area and curled a brilliant effort with the outside of his right foot into the top left hand corner. A superb strike and no less than West had deserved for their second half performance. The momentum continued with West and they had another huge shout for a penalty turned down when Poizer was brought down in the penalty area by the 1874 goalkeeper. With 15 minutes to go the games most controversial moment occurred as the 1874 goalkeeper raced outside of the area to claim a through ball handling it outside the penalty area. He was given his marching orders but it was too much for the 1874 players as Paul Connor raced 10 yards to square up to Matt Eckersley. The full back put his head into the face of Eckersley and immediately hit the deck sparking a mass of pushing and shoving from the 1874 players. In the aftermath it was determined by the linesman that Eckersley was the aggressor and given his marching orders. After the situation had been calmed down Poizer's free kick hit the wall as Neil Chappell donned the gloves for the visitors. A late comeback never materialised as West were unable to find a leveller as they piled on the pressure but 1874 hung on to claim three points
West v 1874 Northwich …match action
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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
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2015-16 FA Vase and Youth Cup draws
The Road to Wembley for another year at WEST remains with the first qualifying round in the FA Vase. In addition West’s Youth Team travel away in FA Youth Cup. FA Vase: WEST v Barton Town Old Boys We are at home to Barton Town Old Boys in the First Qualifying Round. Our visitors are from Barton on Humber and play in the Northern Counties East Premier Division, the equivalent Step 5 Division on the other side of the Pennines. The winners will earn £600 in prize money and have a home tie on Saturday 3rd October against Central Midlands League side Dinnington Town. The winners of that game will earn £800 in prize money and a place in the first round proper of the FA Vase.
FA Youth Cup: Lancaster City v WEST u-18s In the FA Youth Cup WEST under 18s travel away to Lancaster City, during the week commencing Monday 7th September, but with the incentive of a home tie to follow. Should they earn a victory they will face a rematch of their first ever FA Youth Cup tie last year, with a home game here against Wrexham. NWYAL: The YOUTH TEAM also face some tough challenges in the Premier Division of the Youth Alliance League this season when their opponents will include: AFC FYLDE, ALTRINCHAM, ASHTON ATHLETIC, CHESTER, CURZON ASHTON, HYDE, MORECAMBE, PRESCOT CABLES, SALFORD CITY, SKELMERSDALE, and WARRINGTON TOWN. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
NWCFL League Table’s after games on Monday 31st August
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Appearances and League results table
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WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
Our press officer Rob McKay reflects on last season’s final at Wembley “Orange Juice and Benilyn, you don’t look like a football fan?” said the lady sat in my seat as boarded the 09.05 Virgin train to London Euston. It’s Saturday morning and my shirt and tie have been called into action for the weekend as Counties Podcast is headed for Wembley! The occasion is to cover Glossop North End in the final of the FA Vase. As ‘smart’ as I’ve attempted to present myself I actually feel like death warmed up as the previous week has spent in bed trying to fight off a dreaded chest infection that’s hampered since Bonfire night, literally. Having already missed the MEN United Cup final through illness I’m not about to miss the opportunity to report on a game LIVE from Wembley Stadium and I’m even happy to give up my seat on the train as I plan to rendezvous with the Podcast team members Martin and Gary in London. Sadly, Zach is unavailable for selection due to exams. The train was relatively full, facilitated by the number of people from Glossop heading to the capital. It was a strange but pleasant sensation to see so many recognisable people from various NWCFL clubs upon arrival at London Euston. After a little wander around London and, thanks to a combination of signal failure and driver mix up, three tube rides later I disembarked at Wembley Central. I knew plenty of people heading to the game and the unofficial meet is a Whetherspoon’s on Baker Street. However being unwell as I was I wasn’t in the mood for beverages and I had this suspicious feeling that rocking up to the media entrance at Wembley half cut might not be the best of ideas. Having been to Wembley seven times since 2011 with Manchester City I must confess that I’m spoilt on Wembley and having visited the area roughly twice a year for the last four years I can honestly say I was happy to be walking to the ground 2 hours before kick-off. What had been a grey, cold and windy morning in Manchester had become a bright, warm and sunny afternoon and the grassy area outside the TGI Friday’s became a virtual who’s who of NWCFL alumni as I bumped into Martin with
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his Runcorn Linnets pals in tow before spotting John and Jeff from St Helens Town. The chairman of St Helens Town was resplendent in his-not-quite-as-good-as-the-year-before-St Helens-home-shirt. Having been 1987 winners of the FA Vase, you could tell that Wembley was still a special place for John and Jeff despite their season woes. In the middle of having a lovely chat I’d forgotten about poor Gary who was waiting for me outside the media entrance. Fortunately Gary didn’t hold my lateness against me and upon entrance he, Martin and I were each given a welcome pack with a meal voucher and press lanyard (half of which I must have seen on Facebook the next day) whilst we had our bags inspected by security. The first major result of the day was the complimentary match programme which, Podcast recording aside, was the primary objective of the whole trip and its Gary was just as happy as I was to get his hands on a Wembley freebie. Once we’d been led into a lift and walked through a maze of corridor’s we found ourselves in the plush pressroom of Wembley Stadium, rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of Football journalism. Actually, we didn’t recognise a sole there until league press officer Ian Templeman showed up. First thing we need to do was to find our seats for the afternoon and the ticket we were handed placed us at the back of the press box with a lovely padded seat, a spacious desk and room to spread out. The spacious desk was needed as Gary possesses one of the largest laptops I’ve ever seen whilst I made do with my iPad Air and Bluetooth keyboard, nothing but the best for the podcast crew. Then it came time to log into the Wi-Fi and, I hope our new chairman takes this idea on board, but was an actual IT technician on hand to help us log into the network.
Think about that for a second, Wembley actually employ a guy to come round and help people log into their computers and get them connected to the internet. In turns out he was needed as I discovered I couldn’t spell the word Daffodil (thanks spell check). Once Gary and I were setup we decided to explore the press lounge and the second result of the day came with the free lunch! The journalists’ were being fed burritos with wedges before the match, which was great value for money as it was FREE! However Gary and I were more interested in the beverages on offer as we tucked into the fridge (admittedly switched off) of soft drinks as we helped ourselves to a couple of bottles of Coke. I couldn’t have been happier if there had been free beer on tap as I returned to the fridge several times throughout the afternoon to ensure I stayed well topped up. So if FA Vase final tickets increase next season I would like to apologise in advance. Once we’d eaten and had a chats with both Ian Templeman and Jonathan Haggarty from Glossop it was time to take our seats. As for the match itself you can read the match report HERE but the most notable thing was the volume of noise. The crowd was just over 9,000 and it was certainly up there with recent visits to Wembley involving the, supposed, biggest teams in England in terms of atmosphere. After the match it was a dash down to the mixed zone where we had the unenviable task of trying to interview players who’ve just lost the biggest game of their lives whilst Martin attended the press conference. Glossop goalkeeper earned his way into the future Podcast Hall of Fame by snubbing ITV to talk to us first! He then proceeded to give a superb account of himself whilst he had every right to walk straight onto the coach without comment. I temporarily lost my Mancunian cool whilst Buxton hero Mark Reed walked past and probably committed the biggest journalistic faux pas by having my photo taken with him. If it had been Sergio Aguero I’d probably have just nodded to him, but this was MARK REED, Buxton hero! Finally there was an interview with Lee Blackshaw that was so poor on my part I begged Martin not to use it in the podcast
and for that I can only apologise Lee. Extra time and penalties had set the whole day back an hour so we made the decision to race back to Wembley central before all the players came out and head back to Euston Station. The beauty of London transport was that just having missed a train back to Manchester there was only a short wait for another and filled the time paying an ungodly sum for a burger. I said goodbye to Martin with his Runcorn mates in tow and Gary to find an unoccupied drivers cabin to stow away in as they headed for Liverpool. Having boarded the train with my burger I subsequently found myself surrounded by the only three North Shields fans on the train (they were heading back to Nuneaton). They turned out to be top blokes as we whiled the hours talking about the best British television such as Phoenix Nights and Early Doors. As I approached Manchester I found myself talking to a Glossop fan who really summed up the beauty of non-league football as he told me; “I’ve grown up and lived in Glossop all my life, I thought I didn’t know anyone left in this town as people have moved away or passed on but when I went down to Surrey Street for the quarter final, I saw people I’d known for years and realised I still had friends in this town!” A terrific day and one where the effort of the players and the spirit of the fans won’t let the result overshadow the memories. Let’s see how far we can make it this year, starting with today’s game!
WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC
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Today’s FA Carlsberg Vase 1st Qualifying Round Fixtures AFC Blackpool v Maltby Main Ashton Athletic v Atherton Colls Bacup Borough v Worsborough BA Congleton Town v Nostell MW Handsworth Par v AFC Liverpool Hanley Town v Coventry Utd Hemsworth MW v Cammell Laird Morpeth Town v Padiham Rochdale Town v Parkgate Runcorn Town v Litherland REMYCA Silsden v Thornaby Squires Gate v Irlam Staveley MW v Cheadle Town WEST v Barton Town OB Winterton Ran v St Helens Town
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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
FA VASE 1st Qualifying Round
Saturday 5th September 2015 West Didsbury & Chorlton
Barton Town OB
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Manager: Steve Settle Assts: Steve Brockley & Steve Eckersley
Manager: Dave Anderson Assistant: Mally Parker
OFFICIALS Referee: Tom Danaher | Assistant Referees: Sean Brady & Daniel Moroney www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk
Ass
NEXT HOME FIXTURE: Saturday, 19th Sept v PADIHAM – 3.00pm