West Didsbury & Chorlton v Colne

2014/15 SEASON / MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

NWCFL Premier Division

Colne FC Saturday 21st March – 3.00pm

WELCOME WELCOME

to WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC CLUB CONTACTS

FOOTBALL CONTACTS

Club President

First Team

Brian Cripps

Glyn Meacher 0161 794 5846

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 Steve Eckersley 07788 112909

Paddy Murphy Magdalena Maria

Community Development

‘A’ Team Manager

Head of Fundraising

Davy Iredale

Danny Iredale 07939 392828

Publicity and Web

Youth Team Manager

John Churchman 07720 508082

Press Officer, Social Media & Web Rob McKay 07706 320397

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

Colne FC

Today are visitors are Colne who are flying high as one of the form teams of the league at present, as we found to our cost a couple of weeks back when we were on the wrong end of a 5-0 score, albeit with a very depleted squad and physio Paddy turning out in goal in the absence of our other keepers.

Our results against Colne have been pretty good since we reached the Premier Division with a 4-0 away win and 1-1 home draw last season followed by another 3-2 away win in the Lancashire FA Trophy earlier this season. Colne gained revenge a few weeks back when we were well beaten and last weekend they muscled their way into the top five with an impressive 4-1 away win at 1874 Northwich. Needless to say another stern test awaits us today.

However, last Saturday was hugely encouraging result for us as we put the run of poor results behind us win an emphatic home win. The 4-0 margin of victory against Alsager could have been even greater but for some heroic goalkeeping and squandered chances in the latter stages but we were always in control of the game and played some great free flowing football. It was important to get a good win against a team just above us and for once we got the rewards our play deserved with goals coming throughout the team. With 8 games remaining and 5 of these at home we want to build on the momentum of last week and add more points to our season total.

CLUB LOYALTY We are very fortunate to have a committed group of players at the club and the past few weeks have shown the evidence of this with awards to Anthony Potts and Callum Jones for achieving 100 games in the past 3 seasons in the NWCFL. In addition we remarked that the teams which finished recent games against AFC Liverpool and Bootle included no less that 7 players who had been with the club over the past 6 years since our Manchester League days. Club stalwarts like Gary Lilley, Danny Summers and Ben Simpson have been with us even longer and we have many players in our other teams who have also shown huge loyalty to the club and put in fantastic effort in helping manage and support the various teams we run. Without this club loyalty we would struggle and we will continue to recognise this for both players and other club helpers in making long service awards in recognition of their contributions when we have our presentation day in May.

UPCOMING FIXTURES On Tuesday evening 24th we are at home yet again, this time to Bacup and Rossendale Borough.

Next Saturday 28th we are away at Silsden and running a coach to this game so if you would like to reserve a please speak to Rob McKay, also see feature later in the programme.

On Saturday 4th April, Easter weekend we’re at home against Silsden and then our final home game is against Runcorn Linnets on Saturday 18th April.

Finally the last away game is at AFC Blackpool on Sat 25th April and we will again be running a coach to this game.

In the meantime let’s get behind Andy and the lads today as we aim to kick on and garner as many points as we can to the end of the season.

Enjoy today’s game and we trust our visitors from Colne have a safe journey back after the game.

Thank you to Graham Currey for providing the pictures in the programme today.

Thank you for Programme Contributions to: Rob Turley, Rob McKay and Jonny Keen … Editor

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

From the Dugout…

Good Afternoon and welcome to Brookburn Road for today’s game. I have reflected on some our recent home games.

In our game against AFC Liverpool we started like a house on fire, took the lead after two minutes, missed a host of chances and dominated the half from start to finish. However we didn’t heed the warning of Ben Simpson’s penalty save just before half time and we started the second half very flat. As a result AFC Liverpool stepped up their game, scored a gift of a goal and before we knew it were 2-1 down. David Short, who has joined us recently from 1874 Northwich and has made an instant impact with three goals in his first three games, drew us level but we couldn’t learn our lessons and AFC Liverpool made us pay. Despite laying siege to the Liverpool goal in the last 15 minutes we couldn’t find another goal to give us the point with would have deserved. It was a disappointing defeat but we dominated large spells of the game and looked like scoring every time we crossed the half way line.

Unfortunately there were fewer positives to take from our game against Bootle as we were made to pay for too many mistakes. The first half was a forgettable half for both sides as we cancelled each other out. Their goal came from allowing too much space in the middle of the park and they scored a fine goal. In the second half we conceded our customary home penalty and there was no looking back. We gave ourselves too much to do and in chasing the game allowed Bootle to much freedom and they fully punished us.

Against Alsager we needed a reaction and we got that in spades. We were delighted to be able to call up Paul Hughes and Scott Mason back into the side as well as welcome Daniel Russell for his debut. We started slowly but from the quarter hour mark onwards we completely dominated from that point onwards. The first goal took some time in coming after a superb move from ‘Shorty’ and we were a bit lucky with the second when Russell’s cross went in straight over the goalkeepers head but after that we added two and could have added five or six.

Today we face a tough game against Colne we faced just three weeks ago at the XLCR stadium and they handed us a harsh lesson in finishing winning 5-0. The score did not flatter Colne and they were fully deserving of the win and we can only look at our own performance.

We must be a lot better if today if we want anything from the game as Colne are one of the division’s best sides, manager Steve Cunningham has done a superb job at the club, and are in a terrific run of form having won their last eight league games in a row.

I’d like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Colne to today’s match and I wish them a safe journey home.

Enjoy the game…Andy Nelson

We are pleased to welcome two new players…

David Short, a striker, from 1874 Northwich. Short, who has also turned out for Leek County School Old Boys, made his debut against AFC Liverpool, David has made an immediate impact scoring 3 goals so far.

Daniel Russell, who plays on the right, David made his debut against Alsager Town, scoring our second goal, he joins us from Padiham.

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

West 4 Alsager Town 0 match report‌ West recorded just their second win in 11 league games with an impressive 4-0 win over Alsager Town.

Manager Andy Nelson was able to recall Paul Hughes and Scott Mason after extended absences and also handed a debut to Daniel Russell who joined the club from Padiham in the week.

Both sides started the game slowly with Alsager the quicker off the mark launching the ball long through the middle. The only contentious moment of an opening 15 minutes with both sides seemingly content with pumping it long to each other, was when Alsager launched a free kick up to the edge of the penalty area, the catch was well take by Paul Hughes but Alsager’s centre back followed through trying to knock the ball from the West no.1 and rattle him in the process. It had no effect though other than to galvanise the home side and from that moment Hughes was mostly a spectator called upon only once in the game to make a save.

After that Evangelinos created the games first opening when he beat two men on a superb 30 yard run through the middle of the field but his shot was low and well wide. Five minutes later he forced a very good save from the Alsager goalkeeper when the excellent Richmond Botchey picked the ball up on the half way line cut inside and played in Evangelinos who shot from the edge of the area.

Evangelinos gave West a deserved lead five minutes before half time when a ball down the left reached David Short who turned his man and lifted his cross over the goalkeeper for Evangelinos to head home at the far post from a yard out.

In the second half West continued where they left off and were two up on 56 minutes when the impressive debutant Daniel Russell’s cross from the right evaded the goalkeeper and flew in off the post. Immediately from the kick off Alsager were reduced to 10 men as Tom Brown was shown a second yellow for a late challenge having been booked in the first half for a late challenge on Botchey.

Russell almost made it 3-0 soon after he headed a cross wide at the far post following a superb cross in from the left. Kieran Brocklehurst and Tre Baldwin-Willis replaced the hard working Short and Russell and Brocklehurst was immediately involved as he was violently brought down six yards from goal for a penalty. Scott Mason stepped up and dispatched his seventh goal of the season finishing low and to the left past the goalkeeper.

At the other end Hughes made a save one-on-one racing off his line to thwart a rare Alsager attack. West were in full control and Mason came close to adding a fourth from a flowing West move in which every player touched the ball, passing it through the middle, it was played out to the left with the cross finding Mason at the far post who volleyed over what would have been team goal of the season.

It was 4-0 on 82 minutes when Baldwin-Willis cut inside after some lovely build up play, he played it inside to Brocklehurst who curled a low shot into the far corner from 10 yards out for his 6th goal of the season. Brocklehurst immediately came close to making it five forcing a good save from the Alsager goalkeeper before Baird headed a difficult chance wide. Lilley came the closest to adding a fifth with a superb volley whilst on the turn but West would secure three valuable points and a sixth clean sheet of the season.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

West v Alsager Town match action…

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Callum joins the 100 Club Callum Jones became the second West player this season to join the 100 club making his 100th appearance for West since they joined the North West Counties League in 2012.

Although ‘Jonesy’ joined the club in 2010 with his twin brother Scott, he becomes just the second player to reach the milestone after Anthony Potts did earlier in the season.

Callum was presented with a memento of the milestone by Chairman Glyn Meacher before Alsager Town game.

Callum Jones is already working on the next milestone having now made 104 appearances for the club in league and club scoring 4 goals including the last minute winner that saw West promoted to the NWC Premier Divivsion!

Away travel to Silsden and Blackpool……………………

We have hired a coach for our away games on: March 28 at Silsden and for the final game of the season on April 25 at AFC Blackpool We should have 20-25 spaces on each trip interest is high so don’t miss out… talk to Rob McKay as soon as possible to reserve your seat.

We will leave from outside the Bowling Green at 12.15 on both days. The cost will be £10

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

History …

Colne FC

Colne FC were formed in January 1996, by a group of like-minded people under the wing of now Chairman Dave Blacklock. The enthusiasts combined their strengths and knowledge of non league football, and arrangements were made for a new club to use the vacant Holt House Stadium, once used by the Dynamoes in the North West Counties Football League Division Two. Colne FC’s first ever competitive game was on the 17th August 1996 against Middlewich and the result ended in a 1 – 0 defeat.

The team was then managed by Keith Mason, but after his resignation soon after, Denzil Hart was appointed to the hot seat. His first game was a 6 – 0 defeat away at Ashton Town, but just two games later Colne FC recorded their first ever victory thumping Bacup Borough 5 – 2. The highlight of the season, coming when the reserves won the BEP Cup at Clitheroe’s Shawbridge ground.

The clubs fourth season was eagerly awaited, but in September 2000 manager Hart left the club by mutual agreement.

Player John Lister was placed in temporary charge and his appointment was made permanent a month later. Lister learned lessons from this campaign and in 2001/02 finished 14th .

In the summer of 2002 James Webster took control of the club, to become the youngest chairman in the league at the age of 24. James was a player at the club with plenty of experience and along with his father who was vice chairman, had a strong desire to see the current side emulate the success of its predecessors.

Season 2002/03 started well enough, but in December 2002 John Lister resigned as Manager.

Paul Lynch took over as manager and the improvements continued, but in August 2003, Paul was offered the position of manager at Unibond side Rossendale United and subsequently left.

Webster responded immediately by appointing Nigel Coates as the new manager as well as player Gary Rishton as his number 2. Nigel had played for the Dynamoes, being in the FA Vase winning team and had experience of management at local rivals Nelson.

Season 2003/04 brought back the glory days to Colne with a string of successes. In the League Colne had to play catch up after a successful cup run, but ended the season 10 points clear in Division two, scoring 102 goals in their 38 games.

We completed the double by winning the Division Two Trophy 1 – 0 over Great Harwood.

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Colne History continued…

The season was capped by an amazing run in the FA Vase for a North West Counties Football League Division Two club, they progressed all the way to the semi-finals, (via an incredible 1 – 2 away win at AFC Wimbledon) before being defeated over two legs 4 – 3 on aggregate to AFC Sudbury.

As the season progressed attendances started to rise as the local population realised we were no longer the whipping boys of the league, and the famous RED ARMY was formed. Colne took little time in adjusting to life in the First Division, another FA Vase run and a creditable 10th place was secured in 2004-/05 Consolidation has followed and Colne FC’s highest league positions to date have been 5th in season 2007-08 and the same again in 2010-11.

At the beginning of season 2005-6 the senior sides at Colne were officially amalgamated with what was Foulridge Minors Football teams. This adds the junior section to the resources of the club and the following season was awarded Charter Standard status.

In November 2013 Colne’s manager for the past 10 years stepped down from the hot seat and former Colne player Steve Cunningham was appointed manager, with another former Colne favourite Ted Cockett as his No.2 and Coach. Steve and Ted have ambitious plans for the club and wasted no time in bringing in a few new faces to boost the playing squad, consolidating for the rest of the season but with big hopes and plans for the following seasons.

With all this going on, due to the fantastic efforts of a strong and loyal band of followers and officials including the resurrected ‘Red Army’ and the continued support from our Main Sponsor ‘XLCR Vehicle Management’ there is a bright future on the horizon for Colne FC. Steve has added a number of experienced faces to the previous year’s squad and is looking to improve on the 9th place finish achieved in 2013-14.

Welcome to our match sponsor…

Hourigan Connolly is a town planning and development consultancy operating across the UK from offices in Manchester and York. The company was established in 2009 by Daniel Connolly and Marc Hourigan and is active across all sectors, including residential, industrial, commercial, leisure, heritage and retail. Acting on behalf of developers and landowners, we provide a high quality, commercially informed and value driven service.

For further information or to see if we can help, please contact our directors: Telephone on: 0161 300 3476 Email: daniel.connolly@houriganconnolly.com or marc.hourigan@houriganconnolly.com

www:houriganconnolly.com WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Can YOU Help?

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.

This Months 200

Club winners…

£100 winner: Tom Webb £60 winner: Damien Molloy £40 winner: Maurice Thompson

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

First Team Stats fixtures – results – appearances – goalscorers

Next up at Brookburn Road…

Tuesday 24th March 7.45pm - West v Bacup & Rossendale Borough Tuesday 31st March 7.45pm - West v Squires Gate Saturday 4th April 3.00pm – West v Silsden Saturday 18th April 3.00pm – West v Runcorn Linnets

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

NWCFL League Table’s… after games on Saturday 14th March

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Focus on the Reserves Last season, our reserve team did not have the best of seasons, and ended up losing the vast majority of games they played in the since folded North West Counties Reserve League. However, changes have been made this year, and the team is now playing in a new league with new players under a new manager.

James Plowright is the new man at the helm, and at only 23 years of age, he has been given a big responsibility. But despite his tender age, James is by no means inexperienced, having coached Loughbrough University FC, (who compete at an equivalent level to West) as well as holding an assistant coach role at Knutsford FC of the Cheshire League.

James admits it has been a tough task turning the team around after last season's downwards spiral.

“People were expecting to lose every week,” he told us. “Players weren't worried about making mistakes in games. But now we are competitive most weeks. I focus less on getting good results and more on creating a positive culture, where players can develop. For example, I have a strict policy where players must turn up to training if they want to get in the team. At the moment, we are working on the team's character. If we concede early in a game, we struggle to rally and can go on to lose badly. Having said that, if we score early on, that can spur us on and we can score three of four more.”

The team is competing in a new league this season, the third tier of the Cheshire League. West's reserves are currently 7th out of ten teams, with 4 wins and 3 draws from 12 games. The league is newly established and James explained why he thinks the league is of a good standard. “It's a new league full of new teams, so with the exception of Moore United, none of the teams have been relegated to this level. I think it's actually a higher standard than the league above.”

This season, there have been a couple of players graduating from the reserves to the first team, including Keiran Brocklehurst and Nduoma Chilaka. James is optimistic about the future, and says that next season things will progress even further. “There will be a new approach to developing first team players, and we hope to push on from there.”

Thank you to James Plowright for taking the time for speaking to us.

The Hallmark Security Cheshire Football League – Division 2 Table after matches on 14th March

POS

P

W

D

L

GD

PTS

1

Wythenshawe Town

11

11

0

0

43

33

2

Altrincham FC Reserves

13

9

1

3

14

28

3

FC Woodford

15

6

5

4

10

23

4

Irlam FC Res

11

5

3

3

6

18

5

Mersey Valley FC

12

5

3

4

2

18

6

Cuddington FC

11

5

0

6

-1

15

7

WEST Res

12

4

3

5

-5

15

8

Moore United FC

14

3

2

9

-33

11

9

Witton Albion FC Res

7

2

0

5

-7

6

10

Cheadle Town FC Res

16

1

3

12

-29

6

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Appearances and Attendances‌ after Saturday 14th March

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Statistics… after Saturday 14th March

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON AFC

Recent Results & upcoming Fixtures…

RESULTS Saturday 14th March 2015 Premier League 1874 Northwich 1-4 Colne Bacup & Rossendale Boro 4-3 Runcorn Town Barnoldswick Town 1-5 Runcorn Linnets Bootle 4-2 Abbey Hey Nelson 1-2 Glossop North End Silsden 0-0 Winsford United St Helens Town 1-3 Congleton Town WEST 4-0 Alsager Town

First Division AFC Darwen 2-1 Cammell Laird 1907 Atherton LR 0-3 Barnton Eccleshall 2-1 Chadderton Irlam 0-2 Hanley Town Northwich Flixton Villa 2-1 Ashton Town Rochdale Town 0-0 Holker Old Boys Widnes 0-4 Cheadle Town Wigan Robin Park 0-4 Litherland REMYCA

Saturday 21st March 2015 FA Carlsberg Vase Semi Final 1st Leg AFC St Austell v Glossop North End Premier League 1874 Northwich v Squires Gate AFC Blackpool v Bootle Bacup & Rossendale Boro v Abbey Hey Barnoldswick Town v Maine Road Nelson v Congleton Town Silsden v AFC Liverpool St Helens Town v Winsford United WEST v Colne First Division Ashton Town v Litherland REMYCA Chadderton v Cammell Laird 1907 Holker Old Boys v Barnton Irlam v Atherton LR Oldham Boro v Eccleshall Widnes v AFC Darwen Wigan Robin Park v Hanley Town

FIXTURES Tuesday 17th March Premier Division Ashton Athletic v Nelson Winsford United v Glossop North End First Division Ashton Town v Hanley Town Atherton LR v Chadderton Cammell Laird 1907 v Widnes Wednesday 18th March 2015 Premier Division AFC Liverpool v 1874 Northwich First Division AFC Darwen v Oldham Boro Thursday 19th March 2015 Mid Cheshire Senior Cup Semi Finals Winsford United v Northwich Victoria

www.westdidsburychorlton.co.uk

Thank you to our Match Sponsor against Alsager Town last Saturday…

CLUB MERCHANDISE…NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!!!

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!

Club crest scarves £7 (£6 to club or supporter club members) Wrist bands £1 Beanie hats £6 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

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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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 21st March 2015 – Today’s Squads West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC White Shirts, Black Shorts & Black Socks

G’keepers Ben SImpson Paul Hughes Defenders Callum Jones Scott Jones Anthony Potts Callum Schofield Alex Baird Mark Rogers (Capt) Richmond Botchey Midfield Steve Settle Jordan Poole Gary Lilley Scott Mason Matt Eckersley Danny Summers Forwards Jerome Bryson Kieran Brocklehurst Tre Baldwin-Willis Nic Evanogelinos Lewis Schofield David Short Daniel Russell Manager: Andy Nelson Assistants: Steve Settle & Steve Eckersley

Colne FC All red

Chris Thompson (Gk) Alex Coleman Chris Bailey Jonathon Hodgkinson Marc Young Simon Nangle (Capt) Joe Garvin Chris Anderson Spencer Jordan Danny Boyle Keiran Demaine Ed Williams Tom Berwick Adam Stockdale Brandon Barski Ted Cockett Andrew Tinker

Manager: Steven Cunningham Assistant: Ted Cockett

OFFICIALS

Referee: Danny Gratton Assistant Referees: Justice Abaka-Jacobs & Nathan Grieve