West Didsbury & Chorlton v 1874 northwich

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

NWCFL Premier Division

1874 Northwich Saturday 20th September – 3.00pm

WELCOME WELCOME

to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC CLUB CONTACTS

FOOTBALL CONTACTS

Club President

First Team

Brian Cripps

Glyn Meacher 07905 431526

Manager: Andy Nelson 07952 567240 Asst Mgr: Steve Settle (coach) Asst Mgr: Steve Eckersley (admin) Match Secretary: Rob McKay 07706 302397

Club Secretary

Reserve Team

Rob Turley 0161 448 1838 07891 298441

Manager: James Plowright 07900 332825 Asst Manager: Jim Hines

Membership Secretary

Club Coaches Stuart Brown– First Team

Chairman

Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Dave Cooper 07961 063195

Rob Madden – First Team Tony Holmes – Goalkeepers Joel Hudson – Reserves

Head of Fundraising

Physio

Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Paddy Murphy

Community Development

‘A’ Team Manager

Davy Iredale

Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Publicity and Web

Youth Team Manager

Treasurer

John Churchman 07720 508082

Ian Depeiaza 07838 232401

Press Officer, Social Media & Web

Junior Football Co-ordinator

Rob McKay 07706 320397

Mark Rogers 07841 112903

Vets Manager Chris Smith 07867 171815 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.

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

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorltonville Manchester M21 8FE

EDITORIAL

1874 Northwich

Today's we welcome 1874 Northwich for the first competitive game between our two clubs. This follows a pre-season friendly back in July of this year when the honours were even in a 2-2 draw as both clubs looked for pre-season match fitness and tried out a number of new players. We look forward to an entertaining game and wish all the travelling support a safe return journey back to Mid Cheshire.

1874 Northwich are not as old as the name suggests having only been formed before the start of last season and their entry into the non-league pyramid saw them finish 3rd in Division One at the end of their first season in the NWCFL. Their promotion had a few similarities with our own the previous season as 1874 just missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier Division as they were edged out of second place by Formby. However, Formby were a club in trouble, unable to continue and when they resigned from the NWCF League, this enabled 1874 to accept the invitation to take their place in the Premier Division.

1874 have made a bright start to the current campaign and currently sit in the top 8 with only one defeat so far, a position which reflects the quality of player they have attracted. The club is ambitious and already has a considerable supporter base averaging 250 per game. The club currently ground share at Winsford United where their ambitious band of supporters have already undertaken various repairs and improvements to breathe new life into the tired stadium.

Our own form has picked up in the last week with firstly an important away in at Bacup and Rossendale last Saturday when the 3-1 score did not truly reflect our dominance against a team struggling at the foot of the table who were reduced to 10 men after 10 minutes.

The win was important in nudging us up the table and on Tuesday night we followed up with another away win, this time 4-1 at struggling neighbours Abbey Hey. The team played with good composure to take the game to the home side and recover from conceding an early goal, and by half time we had our noses in front at 2-1 up. Two very clinical finishes from Chris McDonagh after good work by Jerome Bryson and Matt Eckersley from a great pass from Gary Lilley were just the tonic we needed and further second half goals from Lewis Schofield, who caught the keeper napping, and a combination of McDonagh and the home defender in the final minute secured another 3 points. It's important that we keep this recovery going as its going to be a very tight league during a long season but the great team ethic and spirit we've showed to bounce back from an unfortunate losing run will give us a platform to build on as we aim to climb the table.

UPCOMING FIXTURES - FA YOUTH CUP Next Tuesday evening, 23rd September, the U-18's Youth Team make their debut in the FA Youth Cup with an away trip to Wrexham FC. We are running a coach to this game leaving The Bowling Green at 4.30pm on Tuesday for a 7.15pm kick off and if you would like to travel the return cost is ÂŁ10. Please speak to Rob Turley today if you are interested in going as its first come first served and we'd like to take a full coach to support the team.

Next Saturday the first team area way at St. Helens Town and the reserves are at home to Warrington Town reserves, both games at 3pm. On Tuesday 30th the first team are away at Colne in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy and kick off is 7.45pm.

The next first team home game here is the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Vase v. Rossington Main from the Northern Counties East League, Division One. Finally, if you have any suggestions as to how we might improve your match day experience for home games then please speak to anyone on Committee. In the meantime thank you all for your support today and enjoy the game.

Rob Turley Cover: West players celebrate scoring against 1874 Northwich in our pre-season friendly.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout…

Hello and welcome to today’s game against 1874 Northwich which is sure to be a massive game in each of our seasons.

For us the season started off excellently with wins against Barnoldswick and Winsford, both sides we failed to beat in the respective fixtures last season. Since then we’d lost seven games in a row which was really difficult to take, especially when you factor in the quality of performance in those first two games.

The seven games in which we were beaten, although we faced quality sides such as Glossop North End, Runcorn Linnets and Brighouse Town, it was scarcely to be believed as at times we really struggled to put out a team that could do ourselves justice. It felt like it would never end, especially when the floodlights failed last week against Congleton Town just as the teams were about to come out.

However, we rallied and we went to Bacup & Rossendale Borough last Saturday and not only collected three points but dominated from start to finish with some terrific passing football.

Our opponents will point to the dismissal after just 8 minutes but I feel that we would have dominated regardless of that decision.

Gary Lilley was awarded yet another man of the match and it’s a testament to how much commitment he has put into his game this season that he’s been out most consistent player over the last 10 games. Gary, has been around the club for years and has for one reason or another been limited to playing Reserve team football for much of our time in the NWCFL. However, he has really stepped up to the mark and has really dominated games this season, he’s played every minute of every game and has been a real bright spot in our season.

On Tuesday night we faced another tough trip to near neighbours Abbey Hey, a club we’ve had some frequent meetings with over the last two years, and we were delighted to come away with a 4-1 win. We fell behind to an early goal but regained our composure, got back into the game with a fine finish from ‘Macca’ after Jerome Bryson had done brilliantly to rob the full back of the ball at the edge of the penalty area.

We deservedly took the lead just before the break with an excellent low finish from Matt Eckersley, who had been a revelation since his return, and from that point we dominated the game.

In the second half Lewis Schofield made it three and we had chances to extend that lead before we finally did in stoppage time.

At times our football was to a really high standard, Steve Settle has really anchored the midfield, Gary Lilley has terrorised the opposition and Alex Baird has been one of the most consistent players in the side.

We are hoping for more of the same today Andy Nelson

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 2 Nelson 5 ‌ match report Fans who chose West to take in a game on non league day were treated to a high octane end-to-end battle where attack dominated defense.

Nelson, known for their ability to score goals, were immediately out of starting blocks as their forward line showed their attacking intent early in the game with their forward line putting the West defence under pressure. Centre backs Callum Schofield and Anthony Potts remained composed under the pressure as Nelson looked to exploit Callum Jones at right back as the best chance for Nelson came on 18 minutes when a close range shot cannoned off the underside of the cross bar and out.

West grew into the game as Jerome Bryson received the ball on the left, drove down the middle beating two men and fired a menacing shot down the throat of the goalkeeper from distance. Chris McDonagh fired a warning shot soon after as his shot clipped the top of the cross bar.

West’s good work of the first half was undone however, as a free kick was conceded 30 yards out by Alex Baird, it was taken quickly and floated up to Peter Wright who was, unopposed, able to flick it into the top corner to give Nelson a 1-0 lead with the last kick of the half.

In the second half West came out flying with McDonagh having forcing several good saves from the Nelson goalkeeper from corners. On 50 minutes it was deservedly 1-1 as a Bryson cross was curled in an nodded home by Callum Schofield for his first goal of the season. Moments later Steve Settle pounced on a poor clearance by the Nelson keeper and found Gary Lilley with his pass, in the scramble Lilley managed to head the ball towards goal from about knee height but saw his effort cleared off the line. Lilley went close again forcing a good low save from the Nelson keeper with a low curling shot.

On 54 minutes it was 2-1 as Bryson, now on the right, skinned the left back, cut inside and hand the composure to square the ball to McDonagh to tap home on the six yard box for the lead.

Less than 60 seconds later it was 2-2 as Lilley gave a free kick away on the half way line and in a carbon copy of the first goal the ball was floated forward and hooked into the goal by Ryan Salmon. .A bitter goal to concede as Salmon could consider himself lucky to be on the field having elbowed Callum Jones just minutes before.

On 61 minutes it was 3-2 as the Nelson substitute raced down the right hand side with Scott Jones in chase, West goalkeeper Jordan Hitchen raced out of his goal but the Nelson winger was able to side step him and pulled his cross back from the bye line to give Salmon a simple tap into an empty net.

It was almost three each moments later as a Scott Mason free kick was whipped in and nodded just wide at the far post by Bryson. However at the other end it was 4-2 on 70 minutes as the Nelson winger raced down the right again and his cross was flicked onto a West player and finished low into the bottom left hand corner by Salmon to complete his hat-trick.

The scoring was complete on 71 minutes to make it seven goal in 26 minutes as a loose ball was floated up into the box, Hitchen shouted to claim but as captain Anthony Potts moved out of its path, the ball clipped his boot into the path of Wright for a tap in and his second goal.

West rang the changes and almost got back into as West sub Lee Malkin forced a save at the near post and Tre Baldwin-Willis having a couple of long range efforts just wide before a last gasp tackle from the Nelson centre back prevented McDonagh grabbing his second.

Overall an exhilarating game for those in attendance between two sides with excellent attacking intent but ultimately undone by some poor defending from West.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

West v Nelson Match Action…

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.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

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

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

History…

1874 Northwich

It is probably something of a misnomer to describe the next few paragraphs as a history of our football club. After all, by its very definition, the word ‘history’ suggests that 1874 Northwich have a proud and glorious past that stretches over many years and its longstanding supporters can look back warmly over many past campaigns – good and bad – with a great deal of pride, nostalgia and fondness.

But actually, nothing can be further from the truth!

You see, 1874 Northwich has only been in existence since Thursday 15th November 2012! For on that night that the members of the then Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust voted overwhelmingly to form a new fans-run, democratic operated and transparent club. For those who elected to follow this path, this decision was not easy. Indeed, for most it was heart-breaking as most who voted to set up 1874 had followed ‘The Vics’ loyally for many years, worked selflessly for the club and had shared in all its highs and lows (largely the latter!). But in the end, after numerous off the field sagas and financial controversies – which culminated in the loss of the hugely impressive Victoria Stadium – the majority decided that they could no longer identify themselves with the club that they had once loved and that something radical had to be done.

There was an overwhelming desire to bring the game of football back as the central focus, to re-build links with the people and businesses of Northwich and to put control of this new club into the hands of those people who ultimately would have its best interests at heart – the fans. And so, the members came together and took the step of calling into existence their new football club. In keeping with its democratic structure, the name of the new club was decided upon by the members and is a conscious reference to the long and proud heritage of the Vics - which the followers of 1874 clearly wished to acknowledge. In a similar way, the club crest and colours are both a nod to the past but they are also sufficiently different to set 1874 apart from the oldest of the Northwich clubs.

Indeed, since establishing 1874, its 200 plus members have very much concentrated on creating and reinforcing the individual identity of their new the club. This has certainly been helped by the amazing amount of 1874 leisurewear that the supporters have purchased since the first items went on sale in the spring of 2013. Within weeks of their launch, 1874 replica team shirts, coats, hoodies, umbrellas, scarves, base-ball caps, woollen hats and polo-shirts were common apparel in and around the town.

Indeed, the sale of these and other 1874 branded goods reached five-figures in the first season alone!

The months immediately after the formation of 1874 proved to be very busy as the members worked hard to convince a number of key organisations that ensure that the club was a viable proposition that could successfully operate a side in the National Leagues System. Firstly there was the seemingly simple task of registering the club with the FA and applying for membership of the North West Counties League. Next on the agenda was finding a home for the club and this was achieved in the March of 2013 when a two-year ground-share agreement was brokered with neighbours Winsford United. Finally, following an hour-long interview by the FA at St George’s Park, 1874’s application to join the First Division of the North West Counties League was accepted!

During this period the club had also appointed former Warrington, Winsford and Ashton Athletic boss Ian Street agreed to become 1874’s first manager and he quickly started to assemble a playing squad that would be capable of competing in the First Division. As the summer progressed, the ‘good news’ stories about 1874 kept on coming.

Firstly came the announcement that the club had agreed two-season deal with well respected local company Britannia Carpets to become the club’s main sponsors – a move that clearly demonstrates 1874’s desire to create a new and positive relationship with the business community in the MidCheshire area. Next up was the news that the well respected voluntary organisation ‘Ciarans Cause’ were to become the clubs nominated charity for the next couple of years. The aim of this initiative is to raise funds to supply defibrillators to local schools and junior football clubs and, by doing so, help prevent the needless heartbreak that many families have had to suffer as a result of the tragic and needless deaths of their children from sudden heart failure. WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Finally, all the hard work and effort that everyone had put in was to come to a head on the evening of Wednesday 10 July 2013 when 1874 played their first ever game against local side Lostock Gralam.

Prior to this game, there was still a nagging doubt amongst many members whether we had “done the right thing” and if the fledgling outfit would be able to attract sufficient support needed to make the new club a viable proposition.

We needn’t have worried.

For, on that warm and balmy July evening, just short of 400 fans - the majority of who proudly sported the kit and colours of the new club - turned out to see the start of something different, something new and, most importantly, something that they had a direct say in!

The first game ended in a 3-1 win for 1874 and better was to come three days later when in the club picked up its first trophy in only its second game by beating fellow fans-run club AFC Rushden and Diamonds 3-0 to lift the Supporters Direct Shield – a success that was highlighted on the front page of ‘The Non-League Paper’, Not bad for an eight-month old club!

The next major occasion was the staging of the first competitive fixture on August 3 rd when Oldham Boro visited the Barton Stadium. Just under 500 fans turned up to see a little bit of history being made and although they didn’t see their team start with a win - the game ended 1-1 – the sheer joy and enthusiasm for ‘their’ club that was demonstrated that afternoon was both obvious and abundant. This level of support wasn’t a flash in the pan either as during our first season 1874’s average home league attendance was 320 – which put the club in the top 100 best supported clubs in non-league football. This total was boosted by the record breaking attendance of 541 who flocked into the Barton Stadium in early October for the fans-lead ‘Bring a Mate Day’ initiative.

On the park, things were as impressive as Ian Street’s men hit the top spot in mid-October and remained in the thick of the promotion race until the very last week of the season. However, there was to be no fairytale ending to the clubs’ first campaign as previous seasons’ champions Formby pipped Ian Street’s side to the second promotion spot on goal difference.

But just as we had resigned ourselves to a second season playing First Division football, news came through about the sudden and unfortunate demise of Formby and as a result the league management committee asked 1874 if we would be prepared to step up into the Premier Division – an offer that was readily accepted! Excellent progress was also made in both the Cheshire Senior Cup and NorthWest Counties League Cup with 1874 making their respective exits at the Quarter and Semi-final stages.

The defence certainly played its part in 1874’s strong showing as just 28 goals were conceded in 36 league games, a point underlined by the fact that ‘keeper Matt Conkie was voted as ‘Keeper of the Month’ on no less than four occasions – a league record. At the other end, the hugely impressive Mike Brandon notched 37 goals, a performance that went a long way to him being picked as ‘Player of the Season’ by the fans at the end of year presentation dinner which was attended by 120 supporters, players and back-room staff.

The supporters and players have also enjoyed a number of other well attended social events, the highlight of which is probably the 1874 Beer Festival which attracts over 300 people and raises over £3000 for the club! A 200+ club has also been established and the money generated from this initiative will help reduce the clubs reliance on gate receipts as its principal source of income.

Off the field the club also continued its progress with relationships being developed and nurtured with a number of key stakeholders. And looking to the future, a Stadium Development Sub-Committee has also been formed with the remit of finding 1874 a permanent home in or close to Northwich.

So, all in all, it has been a remarkable period of time since 1874 was born and everyone connected with the club are delighted with the massive progress we have made in such a short space of time.

With our second season now upon us, we can proudly say that we have achieved what we set out to create – a sustainable, democratic, fans-run community-focussed club that we and the town of Northwich can be justifiably proud of.

But we cannot – and do not intend to – sit on our laurels. The club is determined to continue to develop and progress, albeit in a sustainable and stable manner which will allow the club to grow and meet its stated aims and objectives.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Bacup 1 West 3… match report West travelled to the Brian Boys West stadium with two debutants and a returning player in their line-up. Manager Andy Nelson handed debuts to goalkeeper Daniel Lever, who impressed against West in August saving a penalty and keeping a clean sheet for Ashton Athletic, and Louis Garner, a new arrival having recently been released by Coventry City.

Also making his return after more than 18 months away from the club Matt Eckersley replaced Christopher McDonagh who was caught in traffic on his way to the game.

West started the game brightly with Eckersley combining well with Gary Lilley and Lee Malkin down the left hand side and almost took the lead with their first chance when Jordan Poole almost forced home a brilliantly whipped in free kick.

West did take the lead on 10 minutes after a brilliant tackle in the corner by Callum Schofield to win the ball and moved it down field to Garner who played a brilliant pass into the path of Malkin, who cut across the full back and was pulled back by the Bacup full back as he took his shot. The referee award the penalty, sending off the Bacup full back and Steve Settle stepped up and confidently fired it hard and low into the bottom left hand corner.

Playing against 10 men West retained possession of the ball for much of the first half with Settle, playing in front of the back four, linking well with the back four and allowing the ball to played out wide to Callum Jones and Garner down the right. Down the left hand side Malkin continued to stretch the Bacup defence having a good shot well saved by the Bacup goalkeeper at his near post and West went into half time with a deserved 1-0 lead.

In the second half West made two changes it half time with Jerome Bryson replacing the impressive Jordan Poole, who had played the entire first half with an ankle injury, and Lewis Schofield replacing Louis Garner, playing his first 45 minutes of the season. It had an immediate impact as after some excellent play around the Bacup penalty area resulted in Alex Baird, who had made a brilliant run across the area from left back, getting on the end of a low Malkin cross and at the second attempt thighing it over the line from about a yard out.

Bacup couldn’t handle the additional width of Lewis Schofield and Jerome Bryson as Settle, Lilley and Eckersley dominated the middle of the park and Bryson almost made it three on the hour combining well with Schofield and firing at hard shot low at the keeper which he couldn’t hold onto. Richmond Botchey replaced Lee Malkin and continued to put pressure on the Bacup back line breaking through on numerous occasions but halted by the linesman’s flag.

Bryson almost made it three when he fired a low shot into the bottom left hand corner but was adjudged to have been offside.

On 76 minutes it was deservedly 3-0 as a wonderful outside of the foot pass down the line from Baird found Lewis Schofield, he cut the ball inside to Bryson who curled a quality curled shot into the top right hand corner.

Bacup pulled one back with five minutes remaining as a long ball hoofed over the top got in between the West defence and Omar McKenzie nipped in and poked it low beyond the rushing Lever to deny him a debut clean sheet.

At the other end Settle should have had a penalty when he was pushed in the area but West would have to settle for a 3-1 score and three points capped off by an excellent performance with a side that saw three players making their first appearances.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

West v Bacup Match Action…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Abbey Hey 1 West 4… match report West made it two wins from two away from home with a comprehensive 4-1 win away to local rivals Abbey Hey. West made a positive start with Christopher McDonagh going close in the games opening moments when he attempted to lob the goalkeeper at the near post but only narrowly diverted the ball over. He then went close again as Jerome Bryson pulled back a wonderfully curled cross from the byline diverting it just over. Steve Settle also had an excellent chance driving the ball forward at the edge of the box only for his hard shot to flash wide.

The hosts seemingly content with knocking long balls to their front men to chase took the lead against the run when a cross from the West left hand side found Wes Harney un-marked in the area, he brought the ball down, turned and fired it low into the bottom left hand corner on 15 minutes. Following the goal Abbey Hey had the better of the possession as West regrouped and created several clear chances but failed to force West goalkeeper Daniel Lever into making a save.

West clawed their way back into the game levelling on 28 minutes when Jerome Bryson was rewarded for his pressure, dispossessing the Abbey Hey full back at the edge of the penalty area, squaring to McDonagh who finished low beyond the keeper at the near post. West almost immediately took the lead when McDonagh went close again firing a difficult chance over on the volley from a corner.

It was end-to-end stuff with both sides having chances but it was West who took a deserved lead into half time as Matthew Eckersley fired a hard shot past the Abbey Hey keeper’s left after Gary Lilley pulled his pass back to the edge of the penalty area.

The two sides came out for the second half with West looking to contain the hosts in the early minutes of the second half but Abbey Hey almost levelled when West were dispossessed in defence but the Hey front men couldn’t force it home.

It was Lewis Schofield who made it 3-1 when he cut inside and fired his shot at the Abbey Hey keeper who couldn’t hold it and parried it into the goal. It was no less than West deserved as the visitors showed some terrific link up play between Settle, McDonagh and Eckersley.

Tre Baldwin-Willis came on for the excellent Jerome Bryson and immediately got into the action dispossessing the Hey right back and curling his shot just over the bar. Abbey Hey switched their shape trying to chase the game, launching balls forward but Callum Schofield and Anthony Potts were able to deal with the aerial threat confidently.

It was 4-1 in stoppage time as a devilish cross was fired low and hard and across the penalty area and was turned home by the Abbey Hey number 5 before McDonagh could round off an impressive victory for West.

It was the seventh meeting between the two sides in the last 2 years with West collecting their fifth win against Abbey Hey and their first at the Abbey Stadium.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Abbey Hey Match Action…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

In the League Challenge Cup West were drawn away in the second round at either Ashton Town or Chadderton to be played on Saturday 25th October. The two sides will meet at The Hardwick Group Stadium on Saturday 20th September.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

The next games at Brookburn Road…

Saturday 27th September 3.00pm - West Reserves are at home to Warrington Town Reserves Saturday 4th October 3.00pm - 2nd qualifying round of the FA Vase West first team host Rossington Main from the Northern Counties East League, Div One.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

NWCFL League Table’s after games on Tuesday 5th August

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

FA Vase and Youth Cup draws 2014/15 The Road to Wembley continues for West in the qualifying round of the FA Vase. In addition West’s Youth Team enters the FA Youth Cup for the first time ever.

FA Vase In the FA Vase West received a bye into the second qualifying round of the competition where they will face Rossington Main of the NCEL First Division, following their 2-0 victory over AFC Blackpool last Saturday. The game is at Brookburn Road on Saturday 4th October. West previously faced Rossington in the Vase last year with West scoring a late Lewis Schofield winner to secure a 2-1 victory and West’s first ever FA Vase win.

FA Youth Cup For the first time in their history West have entered a team into the FA Youth Cup and will face Wrexham away in the First Qualifying Round to be played on Tuesday 23rd September 2014, kick off 7.15pm. This comes hot on the heels after the club’s youth team were accepted in the first division of the North West Youth Alliance.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Terrace…

It’s amazing how much better everything is after a win. After seven defeats you start to wonder when the next points are coming from and, I’ll admit, there was a sleepless night after Robbie Savage made Runcorn Linnets the non-league team of the day when they thumped us 60.

Walking into the dressing room afterwards and when asked for some good news all I could I do was tell them that not only had Robbie Savage tweeted his pick but that the first time the BBC had covered our club was to re-tweet ‘Sav’s’ pick to their 4 million followers.

Not a good day.

In the world of twitter we’ve had a couple of mentions by the BBC, especially the non-league radio show, once for picking a side that contained three sets of brothers (for the record, the Joneses, the Schofield’s and the Hendley’s) but mostly because of the twitter account @nonleaguedogs, which does exactly what it says on the tin. The success of being a dog friendly club!

The most exciting development of the season has been the NWCFL podcast that yours truly sits quietly through whilst Stew from Non-League Review and Martin Fallon from the league discuss the weekly happenings around the league. It’s not true of course; I offer great pearls of wisdom whist offering the weekly kiss of death to Rochdale Town by backing them to win every single week.

It’s an enjoyable experience and we’ve had some great feedback as well as our show being picked up by Whitby and FCUM Radio. So now, several times a week some poor souls tune in their radio expecting high end debate with the elocution of Radio 4 instead get two Mancunians and an Athertonian discussing the finer aspects of Step 4 sides entering the FA Vase.

What has been good is how quickly the clubs have been to embrace it, with several clubs already advertising it in their programme. It’s been a great response, as has interviewing several managers because without them it’s just us for a full hour…and no-one wants that.

As a testament to how much I feel this league is growing, we’ve already had thousands of listens/downloads.

If you want to give it a listen new shows are added weekly at audioboo and can be downloaded via itunes. http://audioboo.fm/channel/nonleaguereview Rob McKay

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Supporters Club‌ EARLY SEASON UPS AND DOWNS It's been a rollercoaster start to the season for all at West Didsbury & Chorlton. Our second season in the top division of the North West Counties, 2014-15, began with two strong looking wins, firstly at Barnoldswick Town and then at home to a, rather rough and tumble, Winsford United. It was in this game that our skipper, Mark Rogers, was badly injured by a "flailing arm" to the face and was left with a fractured cheekbone amongst further damage. Sadly, it looks to be a long term lay-off for Mark, but we all hope to see him out there once again ASAP. Continuing with the season so far, Mark's loss coincided with a run of defeats, but if you look at the sides in question, there wasn't much surprise or disgrace in going down to the likes of Ashton Athletic, Runcorn Town, Glossop North End all at home and Runcorn Linnets & Alsager Town away. Only the latter could you say was a disappointing result in this sequence, although shipping six at Linnets wasn't great either!

In the FA Cup, we received a bye following Cammell Laird 1905's expulsion from the competition, as they were a new club, and hosted Evo-Stik North side Brighouse Town who comfortably progressed by 3-0. A further defeat to Nelson followed in the league, despite the fact we'd led 2-1 just after the break, a crazy spell of 20 minutes saw us concede four times to fall to a 5-2 defeat & then suffered an abandonment when the lights went out when hosting Congleton Town!

Happily, last Saturday (12th) we travelled up to Bacup & Rossendale Borough and came away from the Brian Boys Stadium with a morale-boosting 3-1 triumph, the only blot being the conceding of a late goal. This was followed by a great 4-1 victory at Abbey Hey on Tuesday night. For the rest of September's fixtures we host 1874 Northwich today & finish off the month at St.Helens Town, who play at Ashton Athletic's Brocstedes Park. I'd say there is no reason why we can't target at least four points from these three fixtures. The Northwich game will be difficult, of course, but in football, you never know...

So, as I say, a real rollercoaster ride has seen us accumulate 12 points in the North West Counties Premier League so far this season from a possible 30, which isn't an awful return considering the majority of the games have been against sides who'll be likely to feature at the top of the table, come May. Player-wise, the new additions have come into the side relatively well, with Jordan Hitchen securing the number one birth at the moment. Gary Lilley, an ever present so far, has made the step up into the first team from the reserves. Jerome Bryson, a quicksilver winger has added much needed pace and direct play to the side and the returning Lee Malkin, hero of the 1st Division Cup Final & Lewis Schofield, whose last minute strike defeated Rossington Main (who we are due to host this time around) in our first ever FA Vase tie at their place in the 93rd minute, have both given variation to the team. We have also had ex-Manchester City, Salford City and more player Jamie Tandy with us fleetingly.

So, with the supporters' club starting up for another season, we have to say it has been a good start with a good amount of members already signed up for the season (though I, myself, am still awaiting my badge and wristbands!). We are always actively seeking new members to aid the development of support for West, so if you are interested enough to want to dedicate yourself to the religion, then do not hesitate to contact someone who looks important.

10 games in, a further 32 left to go. Let's see where we'll end up come May. I'm sure anywhere from about fourth bottom upwards will suffice!

In the words of the Pet Shop Boys..."GO WEST!!!"

George Cheetham WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Cheshire League Round up…

After a delayed start the inaugural season in the Cheshire League is finally under way for West’s Reserve and A teams.

New Reserve team manager James Plowright, who joined the club from Knutsford in the summer, has spent much of the pre-season assessing last season’s squad whilst integrating some new faces.

On the 2nd’s opening day of the season it was two new faces that secured three points as goals from Chris Wadsworth and Michael Else secured three points in a 2-1 win at home to Grappenhall Sports in the JA Walton Challenge Cup. It was more familiar faces who scored in the first league game as Zeeshan Hussain and Kieran Brocklehurst both scored to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Cheadle Town in the sides first Cheshire League Two fixture. A notable result as in recent years the second’s had suffered heavy defeats at home to Cheadle as they’d become somewhat of a bogey team in the NWCFL Reserve Division.

Brocklehurst added his second of the season as the Reserves suffered their first loss in a 3-1 reverse away to Grappenhall Sports in the JA Walton Cup before bouncing their first league win with an impressive win away to Ashton Town. Jonathan Poizer, Mike Taylor and Shackheel Depiaza were on the score sheet for a 3-0 win against another former NWCFL Reserve Division side.

The former Manchester League side Wythenshawe Town were the most recent visitors to Brookburn Road last weekend, as the side who harbour ambitions of reaching the NWCFL elected to resign from the Manchester League and start again in the Cheshire League.

For A team manager Danny Iredale, he has been tasked with integrating last season’s Youth Team winning side into his team and offer young players their first opportunity to play open age adult football. His sides move from the Altrincham & District League to the second division of the Cheshire League Reserve League has seen the role of the third team shift from football for all to a development side.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

The very youthful A team kicked off their season on a Thursday night at the way to Denton Town Reserves giving a good account of themselves despite losing 5-3 with goals from Bobby Ashcroft, Felix Senga and Landon Clarke.

Due to ground issues that has been the A team’s only league fixture to date but they have made an excellent start to the Reserve Division Challenge Cup collecting four points from their opening two games.

They kicked off the Cheshire League’s Champions League-style competition with a 00-0 draw away to Styal Reserves, a side placed a division higher, before completing a 42 home win against Pilkington Reserves thanks to two goals from Bobby Ashcroft, Luke Morley and Andrew Farren. A result made all the more impressive considering Pilkington’s good start to the season.

North West Youth Alliance Round up…

After dominating the Tameside League in their first season and capturing the league title, West’s Youth team has made the step up to North West Youth Alliance for the new season. Coach Ian Depeiaza’s young team have continued where they left off with a good start to the new season.

The Under 18s side kicked off their season with a brilliant 4-2 win away to Altrincham with goals from Armani Coleman, Liam Redwood, Miles Jones and Oliver Schofield.

Their first home game produced an exciting 2-2 draw with Jardel Depeiaza and Miles Jones getting on the scoresheet. Their only defeat came in a 4-1 loss away to AVRO when they finished with 10 men but learned quickly and match them in a 3-3 draw at home the following Sunday.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Appearances and Attendances…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Statistics 14.09.2014

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Week’s Results & Upcoming Fixtures…

Fixtures

Results

Saturday 20th September 2014 The Men United Cup 1st Round

Saturday 13th September 2014 FA Challenge Cup 1st Qualifying Round

Ashton Town v Chadderton Atherton Collieries v Cheadle Town Barnton v Widnes Cammell Laird 1907 v Northwich Flixton Villa Daisy Hill v Atherton LR Eccleshall v Rochdale Town Holker Old Boys v AFC Darwen Irlam v Litherland REMYCA Wigan Robin Park v Hanley Town Premier Division AFC Liverpool v Bacup & Rossendale Borough Ashton Athletic v Abbey Hey Barnoldswick Town v Congleton Town Bootle v AFC Blackpool Glossop North End v Colne Runcorn Town v Maine Road Silsden v Runcorn Linnets Squires Gate v Alsager Town Stockport Sports v Nelson West Didsbury & Chorlton v 1874 Northwich Winsford United v St Helens Town Tuesday 23rd September 2014 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Runcorn Linnets Abbey Hey v Nelson Alsager Town v Maine Road Bootle v St Helens Town Colne v Squires Gate Silsden v AFC Blackpool Stockport Sports v Glossop North End First Division Wigan Robin Park v Cammell Laird 1907 Wednesday 24th September 2014 Premier Division AFC Liverpool v Winsford United Bacup & Rossendale Borough v Barnoldswick Town First Division AFC Darwen v Daisy Hill Eccleshall v Barnton Northwich Flixton Villa v Hanley Town

Bamber Bridge 2-2 Squires Gate Northwich Victoria 0-0 Glossop North End Runcorn Town 5-3 Witton Albion Premier Division 1874 Northwich 3-0 Abbey Hey AFC Blackpool 2-2 Winsford United Alsager Town 3-4 Silsden Bacup & Rossendale Borough 1-3 West Didsbury & Chorlton Bootle 1-1 Runcorn Linnets Colne 3-0 Stockport Sports Maine Road 1-0 Barnoldswick Town Nelson 3-2 Ashton Athletic St Helens Town 0-9 AFC Liverpool First Division Ashton Town 3-2 Northwich Flixton Villa Atherton LR 1-1 Irlam Cammell Laird 1907 5-0 Eccleshall Chadderton 0-3 Atherton Collieries Hanley Town 4-2 Holker Old Boys Litherland REMYCA 1-3 Cheadle Town Oldham Boro 2-2 AFC Darwen Rochdale Town 4-4 Widnes Wigan Robin Park 1-2 Barnton Monday 15th September 2014 Premier Division Maine Road 3-0 Bacup & Rossendale Borough Runcorn Town 1-3 Ashton Athletic First Division Daisy Hill 1-0 Oldham Boro Tuesday 16th September 2014 FA Challenge Cup - Replays Glossop North End 2-2 Northwich Victoria (GNE won on pens) Squires Gate 2-3 Bamber Bridge AET Premier Division Abbey Hey 1-4 West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC Blackpool 0-2 Nelson Alsager Town 2-0 Stockport Sports Congleton Town 1-2 1874 Northwich St Helens Town 0-1 Runcorn Linnets First Division Rochdale Town 0-4 Atherton Collieries WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Today’s Match Sponsor: An independent consultancy providing specialist advice on how to obtain planning permission for various forms of new development, including facilities for sport and recreation and football clubs.

Rob Turley now operates independently but has over 35 years experience in both local government and private sector planning consultancy having previously built a market leading national planning consultancy firm from scratch.

Experience in sport and leisure includes major permissions for the City of Manchester stadium and Velodrome, alterations to MCFC training complex at Carrington, permissions for a new stadium for Liverpool FC and most recently permission for Old Trafford SC for on a new hotel and supporters club facility immediately adjoining MUFC at Old Trafford.

In addition Rob has advised non league clubs from Conference and Evo Stik level to Step 6 and 7 clubs, including securing permission locally for the phased development of the ground improvements at West Didsbury + Chorlton over the past 18 years.

For an initial conversation without any obligation please call Rob Turley on 0161 448 1838 or 07891 298441.

Make a note of the date:

Friday 7th November When our Community Bonfire night is taking place.

Bring family and friends to an action packed night of fun, food and fireworks.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

A Brief History…

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 played friendlies at first and then in the Manchester Alliance League until the First World War 1914. 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 that League did not permit a name suggesting association with any other body. The club was placed in Divisions 1 and A, staying 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 the L+C League until 2006, winning many honours and providing 4 League Presidents along the way.

The home ground from before 1914 until the mid 1980’s was Christie Playing Fields, and then the owners, Manchester and Salford Playing Fields Society, gave the club notice to quit having decided to sell off the land for commercial development – now ironically called ‘Christie Fields’ office park.

After several years’ nomadic existence searching for a new home, the club acquired the redundant and overgrown Recreation Ground at Brookburn Road in 1996, and began to restore this to active use and 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. Work was completed in time to start the 1997-98 season using excellent new changing rooms and clubhouse facilities aided by a Lottery grant, new sponsors and members’ fundraising, but without a penny from the Playing Fields Society sale proceeds.

Further name change followed in 2003 to reflect the new location in Chorlton and the club was then elected to the Manchester League in 2006. In 2007/8 West won its first Manchester League silverware 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 2008/09 West just missed promotion to the Premier Division and again reached the Murray Shield Final. won their League.

With a new management team led by Andy Nelson, 2009/10 was very successful and honours spread throughout the club. The 1st team won the Murray Shield (the third consecutive year in the final) and was league runners-up. The reserves 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 65 points out of 72 possible. This ranks as one of the highest points totals per game in Manchester League history 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 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, playing at the highest possible level it can whilst remaining financially viable.

Further improved saw floodlights erected in 2011 to meet FA requirements and West competed in the FA Vase for the first time in 2011-2012 as a Step 7 club.

Election to the NWCFL followed in June 2012 and the club had an incredible first season winning the Div1 Trophy, finishing in 3rd position after an amazing run in during March and April to secure promotion and also winning a guaranteed FA Cup place. The over 45’s team again chipped in with Cheshire Veterans league silverware.

2013-14 saw the club meet a number of challenges on and off the field by recovering from a series of early season setbacks and defeats in August to consolidate with a very creditable 12th place league finish. Two new stands were installed to improves the spectator facilities, new grass pitches and youth teams were added as part of the long term development plan, whilst remaining as a volunteer run, ‘not for profit’ club.

The other historic milestones achieved during the season were the 2-0 home victory over Abbey Hey in the club’s first ever appearance in the FA Cup followed by a 2-1 first ever FA Vase victory away at NCEL Rossington Main near Doncaster in mid September. This season the club hosts Brighouse Town from the Evo Stik league in the FA Cup at the end of August having been given a walk by the FA against NWCFL new club Cammell Laird 1907.

NWCFL Premier Division Saturday 20th September 2014 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

1874 Northwich

White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

Green Shirts, White Shorts & Green Socks

G’keepers Ben Simpson Jordan Hitchen Defenders Callum Jones Scott Jones Richmond Botchey Sam Dee Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Kial Callacher Midfield Alex Baird Danny Summers Mike Taylor Jordan Poole Gary Lilley Lewis Schofield Steve Settle Scott Mason Rick Gleave Forwards Sam Mitten Lee Malkin Chris McDonagh Jonathan Poizer Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

Matt Cronkie (GK) James Fossdyke (GK) Sakeel Abdullah Mike Aston Rick Bailey Matty Beadle Paul Bowyer Mike Brandon Paul Connor Josh Crofts Lee Duckworth Craig Farnworth Brett Hamer Andrew Hurst Lee Jones Christopher Lunn Ryan Mitchell David Short Ryan Stewart Daniel Thomas Matthew Ward Matthew Woolley Manager: Ian Street Assistant: Paul Bowyer

OFFICIALS Referee: Ian Gittins Assistant Referees: Robert Denton and David Gillon