West Didsbury & Chorlton v Abbey Hey

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

NWCFL Premier Division

Abbey Hey Tuesday 28th October – 7.45pm

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

Chairman

Monica Creer 0161 881 1135

Treasurer

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

Dave Cooper 07961 063195

Physio Head of Fundraising Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Community Development Davy Iredale

Publicity and Web John Churchman 07720 508082

Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397

Paddy Murphy

‘A’ Team Manager Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Youth Team Manager Ian Depeiaza 07838 232401

Junior Football Co-ordinator 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

ABBEY HEY

WELCOME TO OUR FRIENDS FROM ABBEY HEY who we’ve shared a lot with over the past couple of seasons since we joined the NWCFL. During that first season the honours were even in the league fixtures between our two sides as we finished in third position behind Abbey Hey as runners up to Formby, but we were both promoted. The end of season cup final between us saw just a single goal between us on a night when Abbey Hey were the better side in the first half but we got the result courtesy of a Lee Malkin strike in the latter stages. Last season it was same again as each won our respective home league games in the Premier Division and in our first ever FA Cup tie we managed to win 2-0 here at Brookburn Road early in the season.

This season we managed to win away at Abbey Hey for the first time back in mid September when both teams were looking to recover from some indifferent early season results and in recent weeks Abbey Hey have recorded some impressive performances in drawing away at leaders Runcorn Linnets and then last Saturday getting the better of Maine Road by 2-0 in the MEN United Challenge Cup. We can expect another close encounter this evening and look forward to enjoying one another’s company before and after the game – a feature which has been typical of all the previous meetings between our two clubs.

Our recent form has again been good with wins over Barnoldswick in the last home game, 3-2, and then another away win away at Ashton Town in the MEN United Challenge Cup last Saturday, 5-4 in a penalty shoot when the cores were level at 3-3 after extra time.

The Barnoldswick game saw us play some very good possessions and attacking football and by the hour mark we were good value for a 3-0 lead. We then hit the post twice before some slack marking let the visitors back in the game and then a wonder strike to make it 3-2 demonstrated that there are no easy games in this division and that lapses in concentration or application will be severely punished.

The cup game at Ashton was an erratic affair when we fought back well after conceding a goal which looked well offside and got our noses in front just before the interval with a cracking strike from Steve Settle. Ashton Town kept scrapping and equalised to make it 2-2 before Alex Baird gave us the lead again only for Ashton to level at 3-3 before extra time and penalties. Luke Lundy’s save from the first spot kick proved decisive as the remaining 9 penalties were put away calmly and clinically leaving it 5-4 to West at the end, the win was rewarded with a home tie against Rochdale Town in the next round which is the last 16.

UPCOMING FIXTURES: Sat 4th October, 3pm, THE FA VASE v. GLOSSOP NORTH END This is big game for us against one of the leading teams so far this season. Glossop are a strong side and reached the FA Vase FINAL at Wembley a few years ago and our 4 league meetings in the past 2 seasons have been close affairs, with one exception. Anything can happen in the cup so please get behind the team on Saturday as we’ll be going all out to record a first victory against Glossop and maintain our interest in the FA Vase.

If that game is drawn the replay will be at Glossop on Tuesday 4 th November at 7.45pm.

If not, we will have a home league game here at 7.45pm when our visitors will be CONGELTON TOWN. In the meantime enjoy tonight’s game, the refreshments on offer in the clubhouse and have a safe journey home afterwards.

Rob Turley Cover Picture: Matt Eckersley in action, captured by James Lobley.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout…

Hello and welcome to today’s game against near neighbours Abbey Hey. I would like to wish the players, supporters and officials of Abbey Hey to Brookburn Road this evening.

Abbey Hey arrive at tonight’s game in terrific form having not lost in their last four games with them fresh off a terrific 2-0 win against a difficult Maine Road side in the MEN United Cup on Saturday.

They’ve also secured really impressive draws away to Congleton Town and Runcorn Linnets so we know we will be in for a tough game today.

We’ve already faced Abbey Hey once this season having won 4-1 in a game that was closer than the score reflects with the them taking the lead and being much the better side before two quick West goals give us a half time lead and we scored at key times in the second half to secure the three points.

Our last game here was a tough home win against Barnoldswick Town, we raced into a three goal lead, we could have had more but we let them back into it and we were hanging on at the end. However it was important to get three points after the defeats at AFC Liverpool, where we were the better side for an hour, and to Glossop, where we held on for half an hour.

It was also good to hand Fraser Child his debut, Fraser is the first to come through the ranks from last season’s league winning youth team and hopefully he will be the first of many.

On Saturday against Ashton Town, in my absence, we weren’t our best at times but with a much changed side we showed, twice, the ability to come from behind and get a result. We learned some new things about our players and we will choose to take the positives from the game. As we saw from the results, there were a few upsets, if you can stay in the competition you always have a chance to win it and with a home tie against Rochdale Town in the next round we have a very good chance of progression.

Finally I would like to ask that all supporters to please try and support the club with our upcoming bonfire, it’s a huge source of revenue for the club and we need you to help make it a success.

Enjoy the Game.

Andy Nelson

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 3 Barnoldswick Town 2 match report‌ WEST started on the front foot determined to erase the memories of the midweek journey to Glossop and in the early stages dominated possession and stretched the visitors time and time again. The nearest to a goal was a great effort from Scott Mason after 7 minutes which clipped the bar on its way over and a minute later Matt Eckersley was unlucky with a first time effort just wide of the post. After 13 minutes West took the lead when Alex Baird crossed from an advance position on the left, to Danny Summers, who laid the ball back for Chris McDonagh to slot the ball home from close range. It was all one way traffic for the first 20 minutes or so as Richard Gleave went close to adding a second before another great effort from Summers who latched on to a chip forward from Scott Jones only to volley just over the bar.

Barnoldswick rarely threatened but then after 25 minutes a quick break from defence saw Hitchen one on one against the onrushing forward at the corner of the penalty area where his challenge resulted in a yellow card as the referee waved away claims for a penalty. The resultant free kick was blocked and a spectacular overhead kick from the rebound sailed high over the bar into the stop netting. The visitors had a further half chance 3 minutes before the interval when WEST turned round 1-0 ahead when in truth the advantage should have been greater.

The second half started with a bang with WEST in determined mood to rectify the first half misses and in the opening minute Mason pushed down the left flank and again got the better of his marker and as he ran into the penalty area he was felled from behind. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Mason confidently took the spot kick to make it 2-0.

WEST increased the tempo of the game and confidence increased with every move as Barnoldswick were now on the rack. On 51 minutes McDonagh hit the post with the keeper watching on and then Summers hit the same post with the rebound. Another goal looked inevitable and 4 minutes later it arrived as Summers was clattered inside the area at the end of another excellent flowing move and another penalty was awarded. Chris McDonagh was denied when his first shot high to the keeper’s left was parried, but he made no mistake with the rebound to make it 3-0 with over half an hour to go.

WEST then made a couple of changes in personnel which affected the rhythm of the home side and as the team adjusted, the visitors sensed they still had the time to get back in the game. They pulled one goal back after 68 minutes when a cross from the left was hoisted high into the area and headed firmly back across Hitchen for 3-1, and nearly added a second a couple of minutes later when Hitchen had to be alert to save high to his right and punch the ball away.

Then, after 74 minutes Barnoldswick were right back in it when a clearance was collected just outside the box and smashed high over Hitchen into the West net from 20 yards to make it 32. Another Barnoldswick effort then flashed wide as Baird rallied the home defence and WEST tried to keep the ball and see out the game, a tactic which cost Scott Jones a late yellow card for time wasting in the final seconds of the game.

The first hour of the home performance warranted the 3 points as a result of WEST’s dominance of possession and chances, but the last 30 minutes saw a spirited response from the visitors who deserved credit for not giving up and kept trying to get something out of the game.

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West v Barnoldswick Town 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.

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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

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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

ABBEY HEY

Abbey Hey FC was formed in 1902 in the Abbey Hey district of Gorton, some three miles away from the centre of Manchester.

During their formative years and through the two World Wars, the club was disbanded and reformed on a number of occasions.

Starting in the Church Sunday Leagues, they progressed through the Manchester Amateur Leagues during the intervening years but the club really came into it's own in the 1960s after it took in the players of the Admiralty Gunning Engineering Department (AGED) following it's closure. Alf Gentry, the Manager of Abbey Hey at this point, decided that with the influx of new players he would step down in favour of the AGED Manager, Danny Danson. Alf, who had been for many years the prime mover of the club, stayed on in a senior position and shared in the success that the club would have in the coming years. The new players made up the backbone of the club during the decade with some staying on after their playing careers had ended.

Most notable of these was Allan Vaughan, who occupied the positions of Treasurer and Secretary.

Ken Brown also stayed on; becoming manager after Danny Danson had retired, and won numerous honours culminating in 1978 with the club deciding to apply for a position in the Manchester League.

The application was successful and the following year the club began playing in the 2nd Division of the Manchester League, achieving promotion in their first season.

Reaching this position meant that the club had to find an enclosed ground suitable for playing their home games. The nearest ground available at the time was in Chorlton at Werburghs Road. The ground was owned by a car dealership (Lookers) but was being used by a local school. It was agreed that if Abbey Hey FC carried out some improvements, such as installing showers in the dressing rooms, they could rent the ground. After two years, Lookers reneged on the deal and the club was forced out, this time to a ground nearer home at Godfreys (the area was named after a prominent local Councillor, Godfrey Erman, who donated the ground to the local populace of Abbey Hey for their use as a recreational area).

The next eighteen years were fairly successful with the club winning the Gilchrist Cup under Managers Jim Whittaker and Dave Denby and a League title but this ended when Abbey Hey FC were told that as from the start of the new season they would not be allowed to use Godfreys. This despite the large amounts of money that they had spent on drainage and despite assurances when they had taken over the derelict ground that as long as Abbey Hey had a football team this would be their ground.

A temporary home, at the old English Steel ground, was arranged on a season to season basis with the owners at theme, Clayton Analine but after only 2 years, the ground was sold to a local builder who required the land to build houses on. During the two years the club were based at the ground, negotiations with Crossley Motors Ltd had been taking place to buy a disused ground they owned in Goredale Avenue, Gorton. Unfortunately, the land was not in good order and was becoming an eyesore with fences falling down and people using it for fly-tipping. Contractors working for the council had tipped 1,000 tons of hardcore onto the car park to prevent access to the ground.

Matters had reached an impasse between Abbey Hey FC and Crossleys when Manchester City Council stepped in, They informed Crossleys that if an agreement was not made with the people that they were dealing with, the ground would be the subject of a compulsory purchase order. This tipped the scales in favour of the football club who were asked to make an offer for the ground which was promptly accepted. Legal representation and a bank loan were quickly arranged and in 1984 the club at last had their own home.

The bank loan was paid off and the ground was improved including having the fly tipped hardcore removed from the ground. These improvements to the ground could only have been achieved by the hard work and dedication of the committee, who not only raised the money to carry out the improvements but also carried out 90% of the work themselves.

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Jim Clark was to join during these turbulent times as manager, a position he was to occupy for the next 18 years. The club went on to gain success in the Manchester League during the late eighties and early nineties, winning the Premier Division Championship on five occasions during this period.

In 1997, after finishing 2nd in the Manchester Premier Division, the club applied for membership of The North West Counties League. Following a ground grading visit by League Officials, the club was accepted into the 2nd Division for the 1998 season. Abbey Hey's first season in the North West Counties League couldn't have been more exciting. Although Fleetwood Freeport had taken the Division Two title, the runners-up place was still to be decided. On the last Saturday of the season any one of three clubs could have taken second place, but it was Abbey's 3-2 win at Darwen that clinched promotion to Division One in their first season in the league.

Promotion to the 1st Division meant that the club had to install floodlights. True to form, they designed, ordered, erected and wired them within a couple of months. The biggest job during the ground improvements was the building of the new clubhouse and dressing rooms. Planning permission was given with the majority of work once again being carried out by the clubs own members. To finance this project, low interest loans were taken out from The FA with the remainder of the money achieved through fund raising schemes.

In their first season in the top flight, Abbey Hey had a tremendous start, topping the table at one point early in the season, but a drop in form saw them finish mid table. Still, a highly creditable first season in Division One and they had more than proved themselves worthy of their rapid rise from the Manchester League to the NWCFL Division One. 2000/01 again saw Abbey finish in a comfortable mid table position, proving that the season before had been no fluke, but the following season started with a run of poor results including some heavy defeats. The second half of the year saw an improvement which lifted the club away from any relegation threat but at the end of the season, manager Jim Clark decided to resign. This ended an eighteen year stint in management in which he had overseen many of Abbey Hey's finest moments.

Jim's replacement for 2002/03 was Tony Hancock, previously Woodley Sports Reserve Team manager, who also brought Paul Kirkham from Woodley as his assistant. It was their first attempt at management at this level of football and Abbey Hey's final position of 13th showed that they rose to the challenge. During the season, Calum Dempsey won the NWCFL player of the month award for September and goalkeeper Liam Higginbottom won the October safe hands' award. However, at the end of their first season in charge, Tony and Paul left the club to retun to Woodley Sports as managers of the first team. There was some celebration as Abbey Hey reached their 100th birthday and also reached the 3rd round proper (last 64) of the FA Vase. The club has played in the FA Cup for the first time since the turn of the millennium, but have only won one tie, a victory over Bamber Bridge on penalties in 2002-03, to reach the First Qualifying Round for the only time.

Jim Vince took over for 2003/04 but after a good start to the season, things went wrong. Despite only losing five out of their last ten games, the club ended second from bottom, only avoiding relegation due to the changes made to the non league structure. Jim Vince opted to resign and Chris Bailey took over knowing that a major team rebuilding job was required.

In 2004 ten members of the committee were given long service awards for their 25 years of service in Grass Roots Football by The Manchester FA. The 2005/2006 season improved their best league finish by two places, but both the team and the club then started to struggle. A lack of both financial backing and foresight saw the club slowly drop down the league table in the following seasons until 2009/10 saw them eventually hit rock bottom.

In 2009/10 Abbey Hey was half way through the season with only 4 points to their name and in the basement position in the league after 25 games. However, following the appointments of Barrie Walker as Manager and Andrew Harris as Assistant Manager in November 2009, Abbey Hey made several new signings with the likes of Jon-Paul Lewis, Gareth Wager, Daniel Cocks, John Hardy, Darren Evans, Lee Knowles and Nathan Finnigan joining the club. This signalled a turn in fortune for the club as they picked up 30 points in the 2nd half of the season however it wasn't enough and they were relegated from the North West Counties Premier Division.

The form in the second of the season saw Abbey Hey going all the way to the final of the Vodkat League Challenge Cup beating the likes of Ashton Athletic FC and Bootle FC along the way. Abbey Hey beat Winsford Utd 3-0 in the final and lifted the trophy.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Walker and Harris made the decision to blood young local talent, realising that this would serve the club well in the future but that it would take time to reap its rewards. Abbey made a slow start to life in the NWCFL First Division 2010/2011 and departed all cup competitions at the initial stages. However, October signalled a change in fortunes and wins at Atherton Collieries, Daisy Hill and Wigan Robin Park pointed to a brighter 2011. The introduction of quality players such as Antal Tompos, Luke Gibson and Martin Pilkington started to pay dividends though the results did not always reflect this.

Unfortunately, the team's home form was to be their downfall as far as progressing up the league table although the team were usually beaten only by the odd goal.

For the 2011/12 season, Walker's youth policy started to pay quick dividends as the team has made an excellent start to the league season, remaining in the top four of Division One from day one.

Though a run of poor results saw them exit the NWCFL Challenge Cup, FA Vase and 1st Division Trophy they did take the notable scalp of Evo Stik North team Radcliffe Borough in the first round of the Manchester Cup. The season really stepped up a gear as they moved into 2012 with Abbey at one point pushing Wigan Robin Park and Norton United for one of the two promotion places. Though they were to ultimately finish in 3rd place, the season had been an undoubted success as Walker had built a promotion challenging team in just 2 seasons.

The 2012/13 campaign started better than anyone at the club could have imagined as the team went unbeaten in the league for the first 3 months. Although unsuccessful in the FA vase, they would eventually reach the latter stages of the FA Cup qualifiers and a plum tie at FC Halifax via fantastic wins at St Helens Town and Sheffield. Rarely stepping out of the top two in Division One, Abbey continued to rack up league wins whilst also moving thru the Challenge Cup, Div One Trophy and Manchester Premier Cup rounds. The first team success was also matched by the newly introduced youth team set up. Both Under 17s and 18s topped their respective Youth Alliance Divisions during the year and impressed many with their style of play and application. As the months progressed a few of the older youth players started to appear in the first team, boding well for the future. Come April and a win at Northwich Villa eventually sealed promotion back into the top flight of the NWCFL ladder.

Only 6 sold‌can you help the club by sponsoring a shirt number for £20?

Please sign up on the poster in the clubhouse

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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.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Thank you to our last Match Sponsor against Barnoldswick Town…

For more information please contact John at Pennant on: 0161 947 6942

.

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First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

The next games at Brookburn Road…

Saturday 1st November 3.00pm – West host Glossop North End Saturday 15th November 3.00pm – West first team host AFC Blackpool Saturday 6th December 3.00pm – West first team host Stockport Sports WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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NWCFL League Table’s after games on 18th October

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Can YOU Help?

The Club is always looking for more volunteers to help, we are dependent on the time and effort of volunteer helpers who act as club officials, manage and staff the bar and clubhouse on match days, produce the match day programme and undertake a host of other tasks around the clubhouse and grounds.

Every little helps so if you are interested in getting involved please talk to a committee member or contact us at www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk.

Firewood needed for our Community Bonfire You can bring firewood to the club: The Recreation Ground, Brookburn Road, Chorlton M21 8FE from 12 noon to 1.30pm on a Saturday or by prior arrangement with Davy Iredale on 07930 762773 or 0161 881 Please do not bring any toxic furniture to burn.

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WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

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Appearances and Attendances…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Statistics 18.10.2014

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Week’s Results & Upcoming Fixtures…

RESULTS

FIXTURES

Monday 20th October 2014 Premier Division Maine Road 0-1 Ashton Athletic

Tuesday 28th October 2014 Premier Division 1874 Northwich v Alsager Town Bootle v Glossop North End St Helens Town v Runcorn Town West Didsbury & Chorlton v Abbey Hey

First Division Atherton Colls 5-0 Oldham Boro Tuesday 21st October 2014 Premier Division 1874 Northwich P-P Congleton Town AFC Blackpool 2-1 St Helens Town Alsager Town 0-4 Glossop North End Barnoldswick Town 0-0 Bacup & Rossendale Borough Runcorn Town 3-4 Winsford United Saturday 25th October 2014 The Men United Cup 2nd Round Abbey Hey 2-0 Maine Road Ashton Athletic 0-3 Atherton Collieries Ashton Town 3-3 West Didsbury & Chorlton (won 5-4 on pens) Barnoldswick Town 2-3 1874 Northwich Cammell Laird 1907 1-0 Runcorn Linnets Congleton Town 1-4 Runcorn Town Daisy Hill 2-3 Alsager Town Glossop North End (won 3-2 on pens) 1-1 AFC Blackpool Hanley Town 1-1 Rochdale Town (won 5-3 on pens) Nelson 1-3 Squires Gate Oldham Boro 0-2 Bootle Silsden 0-1 Colne Stockport Sports P-P AFC Darwen Widnes (won 4-3 on pens) 4-4 St Helens Town Winsford United 2-1 Irlam First Division Atherton LR 1-0 Holker Old Boys Barnton 1-0 Litherland REMYCA Chadderton 3-0 Eccleshall Wigan Robin Park 0-5 Northwich Flixton Villa

First Division Holker Old Boys v Ashton Town Wednesday 29th October 2014 Premier Division Bacup & Rossendale Borough v Nelson First Division AFC Darwen v Wigan Robin Park Barnton v Cammell Laird 1907 Northwich Flixton Villa v Litherland REMYCA Saturday 1st November 2014 F.A. Carlsberg Vase 1st Round AFC Darwen v Maine Road Bishop Auckland v Holker Old Boys Bootle v Barton Town Old Boys Colne v Shildon Consett v Silsden Daisy Hill v Atherton Collieries Dronfield Town or Maltby Main v Chadderton Ellistown & Ibstock United v Hanley Town Mickleover Royals v Eccleshall St Helens Town v Yorkshire Amateur West Allotment Celtic v Runcorn Town West Didsbury & Chorlton v Glossop North End Winsford United v Tadcaster Albion Premier Division Abbey Hey v Congleton Town AFC Liverpool v Barnoldswick Town Alsager Town v AFC Blackpool Bacup & Rossendale Borough v Ashton Athletic Squires Gate v Stockport Sports First Division Cheadle Town v Cammell Laird 1907 Irlam v Wigan Robin Park Litherland REMYCA v Atherton LR Northwich Flixton Villa v Barnton Widnes v Rochdale Town WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Ashton Town v West match action‌

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Ashton Town 3 West 3 (4-5 aet and pans) match report…

West required extra time and penalties to see off a determined Ashton Town team to reach the third round of the MEN United Cup in an entertaining game at Edge Green Street. In the absence of West manager Andy Nelson and Assistant Steve Eckersley, Rob Madden and Tony Holmes named a much changed side with Luke Lundy making his first start of the season with Steve Settle, Sam Dee, Jordan Poole, Tre Baldwin-Willis and Gary Lilley all recalled to the starting line-up.

West started the game slowly with the hosts using the strong wind to launch the ball forward quickly with a soft pitch meaning players were struggling to stay on their feet in the opening stages. Ashton took the lead on 11 minutes, after having faced a succession of corners from West the ball was lumped long, and despite appeals for offside, the Ashton Town forward squared it Sean Robinson for a tap in. It was almost 2-0 immediately as a cross came in from the West left and was headed home but this time the linesman flagged for offside.

West stepped up their game and from their own corner almost forced an equaliser when Ashton Town were forced to make two goal-line clearances. The goal came on 24 minutes, when Ashton failed to clear another corner and Gary Lilley won the ball back at the edge of the area, squared to Rick Gleave who played in Christopher McDonagh on the right who coolly finished into the bottom left hand corner. McDonagh almost made it two immediately afterwards as a free flowing move down the right saw a cross to the far post and a tough chance was headed just past the post.

On 30 minutes it was 2-1 to Ashton as they broke down the left from a West corner, Neil Weaver evaded a pair of challenges from Jordan Poole and Sam Dee broke through the defence and finished calmly over Lundy to round off an excellent move.

Scott Mason almost replied instantly, first heading a chance at the far post just over before turning his centre back and forcing the Ashton goalkeeper into a save low to his right after another flowing West move. It was 2-2 on the stroke of half time as a clearance from another West attack fell to Settle from 35 yards his shot flew into the top corner to level things again.

West came out for the second half and took the lead almost instantly as another corner was knocked down and Alex Baird rolled his shot into the corner and in off the post. West were the better side in a second half with fewer chances but Ashton were level on 68 minutes when Lundy came out to clear a Baird backpass his clearance hit Sean Robinson and trickled into the goal.

West then should have had a penalty when Rick Gleave was elbowed in the box but the referee ignored it. West’s best move of the game came down the left with some terrific intricate play, the ball was pulled back to sub and debutant Nick Evangelinos who’s shot was deflected onto the outside of the post. In stoppage time Settle forced a wonder save from the Ashton Town goalkeeper from long range to keep Ashton Town in the game.

Extra time produced fewer chances with the best coming to substitute Fraser Child who had a great chance desperately blocked after a goal mouth scramble. The referee drew a thrilling end to end game to a close and forced the tie to be settled on penalties.

Ashton Town took the first kick which was saved low by West keeper Luke Lundy.

McDonagh stepped up and smashed his penalty past the Ashton keeper and Mason, Evangelinos, Brocklehurst and finally Steve Settle held their nerve to secure a 5-4 win on penalties and earn a place in the third round against Rochdale Town at home.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Reserves Update…

Cup Action from Saturday – Picture taken by James Lobley

Recent Results Sat 6 Ashton Town Reserves

0-3

West Didsbury & Chorlton Res

League

Sat 13 West Didsbury & Chorlton Res 1 - 4

Wythenshawe Town

League

Sat 20 Wythenshawe Town

West Didsbury & Chorlton Res

Cup

Sat 27 West Didsbury & Chorlton Res 0 - 3

Warrington Town Reserves

Cup

Sat 4 Altrincham Reserves

West Didsbury & Chorlton Res

League

Sat 11 West Didsbury & Chorlton Res 2 - 4

Ashton Town Reserves

League

Sat 18 West Didsbury & Chorlton Res 0 - 2

Pork's Pantry

Cup

Sat 25 West Didsbury & Chorlton Res 0 - 7

Wythenshawe Town

Cup

2-1 3-1

The Hallmark Security Cheshire Football League 2 Pos

P

W

D

L

GD

PTS

1

Wythenshawe Town

8

8

0

0

30

24

2

Altrincham FC Reserves

10

6

1

3

9

19

3

FC Woodford

8

4

3

1

6

15

4

Irlam FC Reserves

7

3

2

2

6

11

5

Mersey Vale FC

9

3

2

4

-4

11

6

Ashton Town Reserves

7

3

1

3

-1

10

7

Cuddington FC

7

3

0

4

-4

9

8

Witton Albion Reserves

5

1

1

3

-3

4

9

WESTS RESERVES

5

1

1

3

-4

4

10

Moore United FC

5

1

0

4

-22

3

11

Cheadle Town FC Reserves

7

0

1

6

-13

1

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 Tuesday 28th October 2014 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Abbey Hey

White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

Red Shirts , White Shorts & Red Socks

G’keepers Luke Lundy Jordan Hitchen Defenders Callum Jones Scott Jones Richmond Botchey Sam Dee Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Alex Baird Midfield Steve Settle Mark Rogers (Capt) Danny Summers Jordan Poole Gary Lilley Lewis Schofield Jerome Bryson Scott Mason Rick Gleave

Jon McIlwaine (GK) Richard Sopel Chris Nuttall Paul Cooper Adam Lawrence Matthew Harrop Liam Murray Scott Hardy Sam Jones Wes Harney Justin Pickering Martin Kilgour Sean Devlin Josh Westmerland Ross Heywood

Louis Garner Matt Eckersley

Forwards Sam Mitten Chris McDonagh Lee Malkin Tre Baldwin-Willis Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

Manager: Luke Gibson Assistant: Andrew Harris

OFFICIALS Referee: Mark Astley Assistant Referees: Paul Connett and Christopher Paine